National Institute on Ageing

💙 During Seniors Loneliness Awareness Week, we are shining a light on the hidden epidemic of social isolation and loneliness among older Canadians.

According to the NIA’s Ageing in Canada Survey, 43% of Canadians aged 50+ are at high risk of social isolation and 57% report feeling lonely, with little improvement since 2022.

Our latest infographic highlights who is most at risk, regional differences across Canada and actions that can help foster social connection, participation and healthy ageing.

📊 Read the infographic: https://niageing.ca/reports/understanding-the-factors-driving-the-epidemic-of-social-isolation-and-loneliness-among-older-canadians/

Likelihood of Using Virtual Care in the Future

While many older Canadians have tried virtual care, interest among non-users remains mixed.

According to the NIA, only 37% of Canadians aged 50+ who have not used virtual care say they are likely to try it in the future. In contrast, 47% say they are unlikely, while 11% say it depends on the situation.

Age plays a key role. Among non-users, just 15% of those aged 50–64 say they are very likely to try virtual care, dropping to 12% among those aged 65–79 and 10% among those aged 80+. Nearly one-third (31%) of adults aged 80+ say they are not at all likely to consider it.

These findings highlight the importance of addressing barriers, building trust and ensuring virtual care works for everyone as they age.

Read the report: https://niageing.ca/reports/older-online-and-open-to-virtual-care-insights-from-the-2024-nia-ageing-in-canada-survey/

📊 Virtual Care Use Increases with Age

New data shows a clear trend: virtual care use rises with age among older Canadians.

According to the NIA, 49% of adults aged 50–64 report using virtual care. That increases to 54% among those aged 65–79 and 55% among those aged 80+.

This challenges the common belief that older adults are less likely to engage with digital tools.

While the survey was conducted online and may reflect a more digitally connected group, the findings still point to an important insight: when services are accessible and meet their needs, older adults are willing and able to use virtual care.

Read the report: https://niageing.ca/reports/older-online-and-open-to-virtual-care-insights-from-the-2024-nia-ageing-in-canada-survey/

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month!

This month, we celebrate the diversity, resilience, and contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ older adults across Canada.

At the NIA, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to age with dignity, safety, and pride. We remain committed to advancing policies and practices that foster inclusive communities where all older adults can thrive.

Together, let's build a future where every person can age authentically and be valued for who they are.

📱 Age Isn’t a Barrier to Virtual Care

When it comes to virtual care, age is not the obstacle many assume it to be.

According to the NIA, just over half (51%) of Canadians aged 50+ have used virtual care at least once.

These findings challenge common assumptions about ageing and technology, and highlight the growing role of virtual care in supporting older adults across Canada.

Read the report: https://niageing.ca/reports/older-online-and-open-to-virtual-care-insights-from-the-2024-nia-ageing-in-canada-survey/

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

At the NIA, we stand united with organizations and communities across Canada and around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse, an often hidden but deeply harmful issue affecting too many older adults.

Elder abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. It can happen in any setting, at home, in institutions, or online. Ending it starts with awareness, education and action.

We all have a role to play in creating a society where older adults are safe, respected and empowered. On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we renew our commitment to advancing policies, protections and supports that uphold the rights and dignity of every older person.

📍 Regional Differences in Virtual Care Across Canada

Access to virtual care varies significantly depending on where older Canadians live.

A new analysis from the NIA shows clear regional differences in reported usage among Canadians aged 50+.

Virtual care use is highest in British Columbia (63%) and Ontario (55%), while lower rates are seen across Atlantic Canada (45%) and Alberta (38%). These differences reflect variation in provincial health systems, provider practices and digital access across the country.

The findings highlight an important reality: geography continues to shape both access to and experiences of virtual care in Canada.

Read the report: https://niageing.ca/reports/older-online-and-open-to-virtual-care-insights-from-the-2024-nia-ageing-in-canada-survey/

National Long-Term Care Day

Today on National Long-Term Care Day we recognize the residents, caregivers and staff who live and work in long-term care homes across Canada.

We thank those who provide care every day and reaffirm the need for continued action to strengthen long-term care across the country.

🚀 The Shaping Canada’s Longevity Advantage Challenge is extended until 29 June 2026!

Is your start-up empowering Canadians to spend their longer lives in better health, with greater financial resilience, or personal fulfilment?

A collaboration between UpLink - World Economic Forum, Manulife and the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems, this challenge is calling for scalable ventures that combine purpose with profit in the longevity space to help more people in Canada live better, for longer.

🙌 Challenge winners will join a global Innovation Ecosystem with access to exclusive events, visibility opportunities, targeted support and strategic introductions to select organizations in UpLink and the World Economic Forum’s network.

➡️ Submit your solution on UpLink by 29 June 2026: https://wef.ch/4mLc0o3

This challenge is part of the UpLink Innovation Challenge Series – Spring 2026, a global call for early-stage solutions ready to move from innovation to real-world deployment at scale, shaping the markets, industries and systems of tomorrow.

Call for Participants: Study on Retirement Experiences of Baby Boomer Women with Disabilities

Are you a baby boomer woman with a disability, living in Ontario, and currently retired? You are invited to take part in a research study exploring health, wellbeing, and support networks in retirement. The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing is seeking up to 20 participants for interviews (45–90 minutes, conducted virtually via Zoom). With your consent, interviews will be recorded to create a transcript, which you can have the opportunity to review.

Who can participate?
Identify as a woman
Were born between 1946 and 1964 (baby boomer generation)
Acquired a disability prior to retirement
Are currently retired
Live in Ontario, Canada

A $25 gift card will be provided in recognition of your time and effort. If you require ASL interpretation, remote live captioning, or any other accommodations to participate fully, please let the organizers know in advance and these will be arranged.

Interested? Please complete the initial screening form here: https://redcap.link/4hn0ujdu

Questions? Contact:
Aisha Khan, Research Assistant
Email: [email protected]

Learn more about the study:
https://www.torontomu.ca/cerc-health-equity/research-program/projects/baby-boomer-women-wdr/

Understanding the Health & Wellbeing of Baby Boomer Women with Disabilities in Retirement Sociological studies of women in retirement have grown in the last two decades but the topic remains comparatively under-studied as a field of sociological research (van den Hoonard 2015). Yet, the social significance of this issue is becoming apparent. As the baby boomer generation (born 1946-64) e...