Institutional partnerships
Health Everywhere: W21C Research and Innovation Centre, University of Calgary
Building an ecosystem of innovation in eHealth (the convergence of digital technologies with health care) and mHealth (mobile technologies for health) in Alberta. Hub for digital health excellence that brings together integrated programs, services, leading experts, resources and projects to enable efficient and effective commercialization, spread and scale of eHealth and mHealth technologies provincially, nationally and internationally.
Impact
The rapidly shifting demographics of an aging population in combination with the significant transformation in the digital health ecosystem require multiple disciplines to collaborate and participate in the development of innovative health and wellness solutions. It is important for universities to recognize societal and economic shifts that will influence the healthcare landscape and provide education that will prepare students for these changes as they enter into the workforce. This partnership allows for opportunities in research and education and remains current with the constantly evolving technologies in digital health.
Industry partnerships
Neursantys
Develops innovations in bioelectronic medicine to diagnose and treat age-related balance and gait disruptions. Jocelyn, director of the Centre, is currently an advisor for Neursantys. Together, they are paving the way for older adult communities to access a new medical device that has been scientifically proven to improve older adults’ gait and balance and decrease their fall risk.
Sparta
Revolutionizes how organizations analyze and address movement health at scale. Jocelyn is leading a research study that gathers data using the Sparta Force Plate to assess and identify fall risk in later life, which leads to more specific interventions for older people.
Impact
Older adults are often not included in research, which leads to poorer treatment management and outcomes. By enhancing the connections between the community and industry partners, older adults have the opportunity to understand new technologies that are being developed, contribute to the scientific community and access medical devices and technologies that will improve their quality of life. These partnerships are bridging the gap between innovation, education and aging by providing opportunities for students and older adults.
Partnerships to influence policy
Alberta Association of Gerontology (AAG)
AAG Culture Change Project: Enhancing Seniors’ Services Workforce Think Tank. Assisted in authoring the report and disseminating to key leaders across the ecosystem, from government leaders to care providers.
CourAGE: Action for Better Aging, a Roadmap for Action
Launched to start a social movement for change and mobilize a coalition to re-imagine aging and spark innovation. The Centre is involved in the working group ‘Canada’s Aging Plan Policy Statement’ to formulate a policy statement and share with relevant ministers to urge the federal government to create a national aging strategy for Canada.
Alberta Innovates Working Group
In recognition of the challenges and opportunities in aging, Alberta Innovates convened thought leadership from public, private and not-for-profit sectors under one roof to deliberate on the potential of the aging economy. The mission was to further unpack the challenges and identify the opportunities presented by the “aging economy” with the ultimate goal of establishing an ecosystem in Alberta that is human-centered and economically robust. They ensure that the province of Alberta leads the way in transforming the narrative of aged care and sets an example for the world to follow.
Health Cities Provincial Innovation Council
The purpose of the council is to spread and scale new approaches and models to support older adults to age well in their community of choice, identify a strategy for incorporating innovative technologies and service funding models.
Silvera for Seniors
Jocelyn is currently on the board of directors for the organization and provides a voice for service and older people.
