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A group of 44 older adults from the Durham region discussed the main factors for healthy aging and the necessary support for staying at home. They emphasized the importance of nutrition, physical activity, social engagement and cognitive stimulation. The necessity of personalized programs, technology literacy and self-care were also highlighted.

To support aging, participants have recommended a hub of centralized affordable information and government programs structured with regular check-in and expanded community support. Accessible home modifications, reliable services and accessible technology have been seen as crucial to independence. The elderly face challenges such as transport barriers, high health costs and limited access to home care services. The financial tension of housing scarcity and high insurance costs was a major concern. Participants suggested policy reforms, better recreational access and mobility support.

Caregivers need more recognition, mental health resources and financial assistance. Expanded respite programs and legal guidance were suggested. Service gaps in healthcare services, mental health and transportation require enhanced access to medical care and affordable home care services. While technology helps with social connection, safety, and daily tasks, older adults need better training and easy-to-use systems. Human interaction and the use of technology remain essential. The discussion emphasized the need for community support and changes in affordable policies and services. The approach of financial, health and social barriers will help older adults to maintain independence and dignity while aging at home.

Cultural competency plays a vital role in providing inclusive and effective support for seniors. Participants highlighted how important it is to customize programs and services to cater to the varied cultural needs of older adults, especially those from Indigenous communities. They recognized that building community support networks, encouraging intergenerational engagement, and implementing culturally sensitive advocacy are key to promoting dignity and well-being for aging individuals. Acknowledging the diverse experiences of aging and the necessity for inclusive policies underscores the significance of cultural competency in developing services that honour and respond to the unique identities of seniors.

Question #1: As seniors/caregivers, how do you maintain healthy aging?

• Nutrition and Physical Activity as Foundations for Healthy Aging
  Good nutrition and regular exercise are essential for healthy aging. A balanced diet with fresh foods and lean proteins supports well-being. Education and accessible resources promote healthier eating habits. Physical activities like dancing and group exercises help maintain health and should be enjoyable.
• Community Well-being and Social Engagement
  Strong social connections combat loneliness and enhance mental well-being. Supportive communities, social interactions, and a sense of belonging are crucial. Community programs that foster engagement and connection help seniors stay socially active.
• Customized Programs, Advocacy, and Empowerment
  Tailored programs that align with seniors’ diverse needs empower them and provide purpose. Advocacy should focus on program customization and encouraging active participation.
• Cognitive Stimulation, Lifelong Learning, and Dignity
  Keeping the mind active through reading, puzzles, and social interactions supports mental well-being. Lifelong learning opportunities and humour help maintain resilience and dignity.
• Overcoming Physical Challenges and Maintaining Strength
  Seniors can manage physical challenges through exercise, physiotherapy, and support networks. Accessible physiotherapy and physical activity programs enhance independence. A strong support system of family, friends, and healthcare providers is vital.
• Purpose and Self-Care
  Having a sense of purpose and dedicating time to self-care improves well-being and quality of life. Engaging in fulfilling activities fosters joy and satisfaction.
• Technology and Social Connection
  Technology plays a role in staying connected, but authentic personal interactions remain invaluable. Promoting tech literacy among seniors ensures meaningful integration while preserving social bonds.

Question #2: What do you think is needed to help older adults remain living at home as they age? What needs to be in place to ensure older adults can access the support they need to remain living at home as they age?

Centralized Accessible Information Hub for Seniors: Participants stressed the need for easily accessible resources to support healthy aging, including resource lists, printed materials, and education on available services, especially for non-tech-savvy seniors. They envisioned a Centralized Accessible Information Hub, accessible via phone or online, offering comprehensive information on services tailored to seniors, including Indigenous communities.

Beyond traditional services, participants suggested the hub provide guidance on home renovations, decluttering, and daily living to promote independence and safety. Supporting local senior-focused services, such as handyman and transportation options, was also emphasized. The hub would address diverse needs, empowering older adults to age in place with dignity.

Structured Government Support Programs: Participants advocated for a government-funded check-in program, with professionals visiting seniors multiple times weekly to assess well-being and assist with tasks. Policies should evolve to meet seniors’ changing needs, with greater access to recreational activities and services. A proposal included leveraging existing hotlines (811, 211, 911) for dedicated senior assistance.

Targeted government funding, especially for divorced seniors, was suggested. Participants stressed the need for research and data to support initiatives and influence policies related to government-funded programs, healthcare accessibility, senior support services, and community support networks, such as church groups, could complement government programs by ensuring regular check-ins. Reference was made to programs like the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), underscoring the need for structured, government-backed support.

Enhancing Senior Well-Being through Peer Connections: Participants proposed a “call partner” system, where community members check on each other, fostering trust while maintaining privacy. COVID-19 demonstrated the value of such support networks. Peer connections were highlighted as key to helping seniors navigate available resources and combat loneliness, with frequent check-ins—potentially daily—recommended to maintain emotional well-being.

Nurturing Caregiver Well-Being through Student Engagement:

• Nursing Students: Participants proposed engaging nursing students in volunteer programs to interact with seniors through activities like letter writing and in-home assistance, benefiting seniors, caregivers and students.
• School Programs: Encouraging students to volunteer with seniors, fostering intergenerational connections, and engaging in meaningful activities, especially during holidays, was suggested as a way to enhance the well-being of both groups.

Affordable & Trusted Handyman Services: Participants called for affordable, vetted handyperson services through government oversight or curated lists to address trust concerns. Social platforms or city initiatives could help build credibility. Scam prevention and senior-focused service promotion—via TV ads or other media—were recommended.

Strengthening Community-Based Support for Aging in Place: Participants emphasized the need for affordable services, trusted information, equipment donation programs, and community support. Creating senior centers, expanding community care, and engaging students in assisting seniors were proposed solutions. Community-led initiatives, including part-time youth employment for household tasks, were seen as viable, requiring government and community backing. Educational institutions like Ontario Tech and Durham College could collaborate on research and community needs assessments.

While peer support was encouraged, caution was advised regarding potential exploitation in community programs, highlighting the need for structured oversight.

Adaptive & Accessible Housing for Seniors: Participants stressed the importance of home modifications to accommodate aging, such as main-floor restrooms, railings, and accessible sidewalks. Awareness of adaptive device programs was low, requiring better promotion. The Oshawa Seniors Community was noted for its efforts in improving accessibility in public spaces. The need for lightweight walkers was also emphasized.

Technological Accessibility & Support: Participants highlighted the challenges seniors face with technology and suggested education programs, user-friendly systems, and preventive tech support to improve access to online resources and automated home systems.

Question #3: What challenges affect your everyday life as an older citizen in this community?

• Challenges in Transportation
  Seniors face transportation barriers, including a lack of bus shelters and costly specialized services, limiting community participation. Concerns were raised about high insurance costs and insufficient wheelchair-accessible options. Participants urged policy changes and increased government funding.
• Barriers to Recreational Activities
  Affordability and age restrictions hinder seniors’ participation in recreational activities. Community support services, including transportation and virtual care, are essential for aging at home. Participants stressed the need for accessible alternatives for those struggling with online access.
• Challenges in Homecare and Small Job Assistance
  Homecare services are crucial but often unaffordable, placing financial strain on seniors and providers. Finding reliable help for small household tasks, such as snow removal and maintenance, is also challenging.
• Mobility Concerns
  Seniors face mobility challenges, particularly with stairs and other physical barriers. Participants emphasized the need for home modifications like ramps and railings to improve accessibility and prevent falls.
• Healthcare Challenges
  Access to timely healthcare is a significant concern due to doctor shortages and a growing reliance on technology over face-to-face interactions. Participants advocated for better doctor compensation, expanded use of nurse practitioners, and 24-hour urgent care centers to ease emergency room pressure. Concerns included ambulance costs, inefficient emergency services, and limited pharmacy access, with suggestions for centralized medical services in hospitals.
• Advocacy for Policy Changes
  Participants called for policy shifts in healthcare, education, and senior support, emphasizing better funding for senior centers and a stronger role for nurse practitioners in underserved communities. A holistic approach to aging at home—addressing financial, physical, and social challenges—was a recurring theme.

Question #4: Are you/have you been a caregiver? What help or support do/did you, or another caregiver, need once your caregiving duties ended (e.g., death of the person you care for)

The shortage of nurses and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in hospitals became a significant concern. Participants advocated for increased hiring of PSWs and recognized volunteers as valuable resources, although limitations in their availability were noted.

The significance of a social network as a support system for caregivers was highlighted alongside the pressing need for mental health support post-caregiving. Participants stressed the potential benefits of volunteer support opportunities and explored utilizing student-paid jobs to provide caregiver relief.

A shared sentiment among participants was feeling “trapped at home” post-caregiving, emphasizing the need for respite relief during evenings and weekends. The importance of expanding support networks, advocacy for increased funding support, and strengthening homecare services were also underscored as vital aspects of post-caregiving support.

Concerns were raised about challenges with legal procedures like Power of Attorney, communication issues with financial institutions, and the demand for respect for caregivers and seniors in various settings.

Financial challenges associated with long-term care were discussed, shedding light on the high costs of retirement homes and long-term care facilities. Participants advocated for increased education on these facilities to facilitate informed decision-making.

Lack of recognition for caregivers, especially those not classified as “sick,” was an emotional issue, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment of the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. The discussion collectively highlighted the multilayered challenges caregivers face, extending beyond caregiving duties to legal complexities, financial implications, and the broader societal need for respect and support for both caregivers and seniors.

Once caregiving duties end, caregivers seek support and assistance, such as lifelines, caregiver groups, and opportunities to connect with other caregivers to share tips and experiences. They also express the need for practical support, including renovated bathrooms with railings, indoor walkers, and training about tax credits. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of understanding the role of personal support workers and the need for consistent and properly trained healthcare workers.

Question #5: What are the service gaps (transportation/housing/ quality of care) you have experienced as a senior in the community?

• Affordable Housing and Financial Strain
  Seniors face a lack of affordable housing, creating financial strain and expense challenges. Discussions highlighted the need for innovative solutions like shared housing and called for government funding to address this crisis.
• Service Gaps in Healthcare Services
  Long waiting lists for healthcare were a significant concern, linked to a shortage of doctors and professionals. Participants pushed for healthcare reform and advocated for seniors-centered hospitals and comprehensive one-stop health services.
• Inadequate Mental Health Services and Caregiver Respite
  Limited mental health services and caregiver support pose significant challenges. There is a call for more resources to enhance mental health support and allow caregivers necessary breaks.
• Transportation Accessibility
  Transportation issues include infrastructure, affordability, and safety. Concerns were noted about uncovered bus stops, high costs, and safety hazards with scooters, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and regulations.
• Accessibility Definitions and Universal Symbols
  Discussions revealed the need for better definitions of disabilities for those who don’t meet traditional criteria. Proposals for universal disability symbols on IDs aim for inclusivity amid jurisdictional disagreements on accessibility features.
• Social Interaction and Mental Health
  Social isolation’s impact on seniors’ mental health was emphasized, linking reduced support systems to increased depression. Affordable housing was noted as essential for promoting interactions and well-being.
• Practical Service Gaps
  Seniors highlighted gaps in services like meal preparation and home doctor visits. They proposed using culinary students to cater to these needs and emphasizing tailored services like monthly mailings and garbage cleanup. Calls for improved hospital emergency services were also made.

Question #6: In what way(s) can technologies facilitate the promotion of healthy ageing?

Connection and Family Bonding:

A central theme emerged around using technology, particularly video messaging, to foster global family connections. Participants emphasized the emotional value of staying connected with family members scattered worldwide. Video technology was recognized for its role in maintaining family bonds, especially for those with relatives in distant locations.

Technology for Social Supports:

The importance of technology in maintaining social support was underscored. Video communication tools were identified as valuable for creating and sustaining connections with social services, contributing to emotional well-being.

Technological Support for Safety and Assistance:

Participants acknowledge the importance of technological education and the use of specific devices to promote healthy aging. They highlight the potential benefits of webcams, video doorbells, and Google Nest for enhancing safety and security, particularly for seniors living alone. Additionally, smartwatches equipped with fall detection features are seen as valuable tools for seniors, especially those with dementia. Other suggestions include devices that monitor household activities, such as notifying users when the fridge is empty or when supplies are needed, thus promoting independence and well-being.

Training and Tech Support Needs:

Another crucial theme focused on the importance of technology education. Participants emphasized that having access to technology is insufficient, highlighting the need for affordable education on using devices. The role of social workers and service providers in actively assisting seniors with technology education was recognized.

There was a recognition of the need for technology training and support to enhance older adults’ ability to adopt and use technology effectively. The importance of addressing accessibility considerations was emphasized, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with varying technological skills. Suggestions include providing automated home systems, preventive support, and simpler, more user-friendly access to online resources. Lack of access to communication technology, such as iPads, was identified as a potential barrier.

Technology as a Complement:

A recurring theme was that technology should be viewed as a complement to human interaction, not a replacement. Participants stressed the irreplaceable nature of the human touch, expressing a preference for physical communication over technology. This balanced approach emphasized the importance of preserving human-centred interactions.

Despite recognizing the potential benefits, some participants are skeptical about whether technology promotes healthy aging. They emphasize the importance of persistent technology services and express concerns about the complexity of technology, particularly for seniors. Participants advocate for a blend of technology and human support, suggesting that technology should be user-friendly and tailored to the needs and preferences of seniors. They also mention the importance of senior-friendly services, such as simplified bank cards and checkout processes, to facilitate technology adoption among older adults.

These key findings collectively point toward a comprehensive understanding of the role of technology in promoting healthy aging. The themes of family bonding, social support, training needs, the complementarity of technology, and the importance of education and affordability underscore the multifaceted nature of technology adoption among older adults.