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In this week’s email:

• Canadian Seniors Playing Bingo with Golden Years: Government's New Tricks for Eldercare

• Aging-in-Place for dementia often overlooked

• Comprehensive review of the best smart home devices for aging-in-place

• The Growing Demand for Aging in Place

• Making us laugh this week

Canadian Seniors Playing Bingo with Golden Years: Government's New Tricks for Eldercare

As Canada grapples with an aging demographic, slated to compose a quarter of the nation's population by 2051, the country is channeling its efforts into providing a more holistic and empowering environment for its seniors. The Government, under the stewardship of Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera, has been innovating an inclusive aging strategy centered around promoting social inclusion, safety, affordable living, and, importantly, aging at home. The National Seniors Council (NSC) has been a crucial conduit for seniors to share their concerns, with an added focus on supporting home-based aging. Financial relief measures, such as rolling back retirement age to 65 from 67, boosting Guaranteed Supplement Income for low-income seniors, and enhancing the Old Age Security, are alleviating the financial pressure of living costs. In parallel, the health care system is receiving historic funding to improve services and standards, especially in long-term care homes. Community-led programs and initiatives like Age Well at Home and New Horizons for Seniors also foster active, engaged, and healthy aging lifestyles. Together, these measures form a Canadian quilt of eldercare, woven with the threads of dignity, respect, and community care. More here.

Aging-in-Place for dementia often overlooked

Leveraging the familiar comforts of home and familial ties could revolutionize dementia care in the U.S., where six million individuals grapple with the condition. Dr. Thomas E. Sullivan, president of SeniorCare, emphasizes the positive effects of 'aging in place' for dementia patients, such as safety and cognitive engagement. However, the necessity for caregiver training and home safety adaptations present significant challenges. Furthermore, the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative's 'four M's' approach offers a robust framework for comprehensive dementia care. Despite the promising potential of these home-focused strategies, they're hampered by insufficient funding and resources. Read about the 4 Ms here.

Comprehensive review of the best smart home devices for aging-in-place from the NYT:

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The Growing Demand for Aging in Place: No Nursing Homes for Us, Thank You! The Gray Tsunami Favors Home Makeovers Over Retirement Homes

By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 or older, fostering a burgeoning demand for certified aging in place specialists like Dawn Mahiya, who help modify homes for elders' needs. As the average cost of nursing home living tops $100,000 annually, aging in place is seen as a more economical and desirable solution. From wider doorways, accessible showers and cabinets, to grab bars and lower-placed thermostats, these modifications are pivotal for comfort and safety. With the "aging in place" market now exceeding $150 billion, Mahiya suggests that the need for such specialists will continue to grow, serving not just the elderly, but also adults living with disabilities, given that 11% have significant walking or stair-climbing difficulties. Read here.

Making us laugh this week:

(The fun starts around 1:15)

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art." - Eleanor Roosevelt