Homeward Bound Receives $135,000 in Mitacs Funding for AgeTech Research
Homeward Bound is excited to announce $135,000 in new Mitacs funding for the AgeTech research stream of the project. This stream will be led by Dr. Escobedo and Dr. Shakeri from Dalhousie University, in collaboration with Research Nova Scotia and Caregivers Nova Scotia. The funding will support hiring a PhD student who will research how technology can help older individuals in rural Nova Scotia age in the right place.
Aging in place is about more than staying at home. It means having the supports, services, and connections needed to live safely and with dignity in a place that works for you.
For some older people, that may mean staying in their home and community. For others, the right place may look different. Access to healthcare, transportation, housing, community services, family, friends, and social connections can all shape where and how someone wants to age.
This research will explore how technology can help older people stay safely at home while staying connected to their communities and the people who support them.
Technology designed around real rural needs
The Homeward Bound AgeTech research will take a community-based approach. This means the research will begin by listening to older people and learning about their everyday lives, needs, concerns, and experiences.
Older adults, neighbours, family members, and care providers will help shape the technology being explored. The research will consider the different needs and experiences of older people, including their access to technology and the internet, health needs, abilities, living situations, social connections, and comfort using technology.
The research will explore technologies such as home sensors, wearable devices, easy-to-use displays, and mobile tools. These technologies could help support safety, social connections, and communication with people they trust.
Built for rural communities
A key focus of the research will be exploring technology that can work even without an internet connection.
Limited or unreliable internet can make technology harder to use in rural communities. The project will explore an offline-first approach, which means important parts of the technology could continue to work when the internet is unavailable. When the connection returns, information can be safely sent and updated.
Privacy and personal choice will also be important. The research will explore ways for older people to stay in control of what information is shared and who is contacted for support.
Co-designing solutions with older people
The research reflects one of Homeward Bound’s core principles: Nothing about me, without me.
Older individuals will help shape the research and the technology being explored. Their experiences and ideas will help guide the project throughout the research process.
The PhD student will work alongside Homeward Bound’s team of researchers and professionals from different areas. The research will take place in partnership with communities across Nova Scotia’s Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), including community-based research activities with older individuals and other community members.
Looking toward the future of aging well
The project will explore how technology can support the relationships, services, and community connections that help older people live well in rural communities.
This new AgeTech Mitacs investment is an exciting step forward in Homeward Bound’s work to understand what it takes for older people to age in the right place.