Public events to highlight innovative technologies for older adults

Media Advisory Release Date: March 12, 2019 10:00 a.m.

Leading researchers from across Canada affiliated with the AGE-WELL Network of National Centres of Excellence are visiting Regina for two free public events highlighting research into innovative technologies for older adults.

Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, Director of the University of Regina's Centre on Aging and Health and Research Chair in Aging and Health, is one of the organizers of the two day visit. According to Hadjistavropoulos this is one of the largest knowledge transfer and mobilization events that has ever been organized by AGE-WELL outside their annual conference.

"We are very proud to be hosting this important event in Regina. Through my work within AGE-WELL, I have come to believe that the greatest solutions that will improve the quality of life of older adults who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease and/or frailty may not come from the health sciences but from engineering and advanced technologies. For example, one of the technologies involves the automated monitoring of pain behaviour in older adults with severe dementia who are non-verbal and have limited ability to communicate their pain experience."

Media are invited to attend these Making Older Adults' Quality of Life Better Through Senior-Friendly Advanced Technologies events:

What: COME-AND-GO INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS
AGE-WELL researchers from across the country will be on hand to demonstrate how their technologies can improve the lives of older adults.
Where: Wascana Rehabilitation Centre
Main Floor, Concourse Area
2180 23rd Avenue Free parking in parking Lot 5 (West side of building)
When: 2:00 - 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2019
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What: RAPID FIRE PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Each presenter will take a maximum of 3 minutes to explain their technology. Presenters will respond to questions from the audience once all presentations have occurred.
Where: Education Auditorium (EA) 106
University of Regina, Main Campus
Free parking available at meters and M & Z lots after 5 p.m.
When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2019

In addition to these two events, the visiting scholars will be meeting with Saskatchewan Ministry of Health officials and Saskatchewan Health Authority administrators on Friday, March 15.

Participating researchers/technologies:

Mark Chignell, Ph.D. University of Toronto

1. Cognitive Centivizer (technology for long-term care)

2. Experiential Centivizer (technology for long-term care)

Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, Ph.D., FCAHS University of Regina and

Babak Taati, Ph.D. University of Toronto

1. Automated Pain Detection in Dementia

2. Using Tablets to monitor pain behaviours in long-term care

3. Web-based pain assessment training program for rural long care staff

Frank Knoefel, M.D., FCFP University of Ottawa

1. Wandering Detection and Diversion

and Carleton University

2. Entry/exit through Data Analytics

Lili Liu, Ph.D. University of Alberta

1. Wandering Framework

2. Apps Rating Scale video

3. Community ASAP video and APP

4. Consumer guidelines for locator devices video and website

Zahra Moussavi, Ph.D. University of Manitoba

1. Brain Fitness program

Eleni Stroulia, Ph.D. University of Alberta

1. Vibrant Minds for Cognitive Assessment and Intervention

2. Smart Condo for Frailty Assessment

3. Virtual Gym video

Venkat Venkataramanan, Ph.D. University of Toronto

1. Fall prevention light (prototype)

Note: To arrange interviews with specific researchers contact External Relations at the contact information noted or Ms. Janine Beahm: Janine.Beahm@uregina.ca phone: 306-337-8477.

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