Technologies should enable, empower, and engage those who use them to support healthy aging. The Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN) supports aging in northern and rural communities by making technologies more available to older adults, caregivers, and the healthcare systems that support them. Built on a partnership between UNBC, Northern Health, and AGE-WELL, CTAAN’s programs focus on testing, piloting, implementing, and promoting new and existing technology solutions tailored to support older adults and caregivers in northern and rural communities.

​

In this presentation, Dr. Richard McAloney will discuss CTAAN’s model to build a path for existing and emerging technologies to be implemented faster with appropriate evidence and share how companies developing AgeTech products work with our emerging northern and rural network. This living lab network offers a suite of evaluation services to help companies achieve validation of the technologies that support aging in real-world settings. Specific examples will be presented for projects to enhance health, wellness, and social engagement including technologies for physical activity, social connection, fresh produce production, and virtual reality.

Dr. Richard McAloney is the Director of the Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North. His passion lies in AgeTech and combined with a strong belief in partnerships, he aims to ensure technologies impact the lives of older adults and caregivers in northern and rural communities. His expertise lies in the translation and commercialization of research to create real-world impact.  He holds a PhD in Chemistry, co-founded several technology companies, developed entrepreneurship training programs, and managed a startup incubator. He is proud to be part of the AGE-WELL community including a member of the Research Management Committee.