Open house to show how technology can help our aging population
The Schlegel Research Institute for Aging at the University of Waterloo (UW) held its first open house, inviting the community to get an insight into the new advances that are helping make our golden years, shine brighter.
The goal is to use new technology to help improve the lives of Canadians oldest generation.
Cosmin Munteanu is the research chair and an associate professor with the department of systems design engineering at UW.
“The idea is to empower older adults and take control and take ownership of the technological creation process, both in media and in the technology, and find meaning late in life,” said Munteanu.
Event goers, like Will Brubaker, said the open house was a unique learning experience.
“I think that would be very valuable for older people who are maybe resisting age because of limitations. This technology might be able to show them that they don’t have to be resistant, that they can develop their confidence simply in this virtual reality,” said Brubaker.
The institute been operating at UW for 19 years and in an effort to showcase some of the work being done in advanced age research.
“We’re a research institute, but we’re dedicated to putting that research into practice. We want the research to benefit older adults and those who support them, and that’s really at the core of what we do,” said Hilary Dunn-Ridgeway, a senior director at the institute.
Guests could get nutrition tips or look at how ultrasound technology is being used in space at the International Space Station, where people age faster from the environment.
“At the moment technology is new. Let older adults have a say in how they use it and find something useful for them,” said Munteanu.
For some, it’s like taking a giant leap into the future.
“I think the most impressive aspect for me was the unbelievable reality of that world, because it was like stepping into a new world that one could only imagine but the technology behind it is just so very impressive,” Munteanu said.
Although it was the first open house for the team said it likely won’t be the last.
“We’re keen to follow any of the trends, positive and active, in aging for older adults,” said another event goer, Sharon Livingstone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Tensions run high on the Hill as MPs debate second Conservative motion of non-confidence
Members of Parliament debated the second Conservative motion of non-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government of the week on Thursday, amid simmering tensions.
WATCH LIVE Helene strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida's Gulf Coast
Helene strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane hours ahead of its expected landfall on Florida's northwest coast Thursday night, and forecasters warned that the enormous storm could create a 'nightmare' surge in coastal areas and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S.
Cold case arrest: Nunavut RCMP charge man with murder in 1986 death of teenage girl
Mounties in Nunavut have made an arrest in the murder of a 15-year-old girl almost 40 years ago.
Mounties in B.C. warn 'highly convincing' scammers extorting victims with photos of their homes
Scammers are increasingly using emails to extort money from victims by threatening to reveal compromising photos, videos and personal information to their friends and family members, according to a new warning from Mounties in Metro Vancouver.
Air Canada flight to Toronto diverts due to emergency
An Air Canada flight headed to Toronto from Frankfurt diverted to Edinburgh due to an emergency Thursday, the airline says.
Canadian rapper K'naan charged with sexual assault following arrest in Quebec City
Canadian singer K’naan has been charged with sexual assault after being arrested by police in Quebec City.
NDP MP introduces bill to criminalize residential school denialism
An NDP MP has introduced a bill that would criminalize residential school denialism, saying it would help stop harm caused toward survivors, their families and communities.
Masking reintroduced in N.S. hospitals as respiratory illnesses increase
A partial masking mandate has returned to Nova Scotia hospitals and provincially run healthcare facilities for visitors and healthcare workers.
Eye drops recalled in Canada over infection risk
A Canadian pharmaceutical company is warning consumers not to use some of its eye drops because of potential microbial growth that may result in eye infections.