Dear Friends and Partners,

As we look toward summer, I’m pleased to share the latest updates from the NIA— a snapshot of the momentum we’re building together as we work to improve the lives of older adults and the systems that support them.

Happy Canada Day!

As we celebrate this day, we’re reminded of the strength that comes from working together across regions, generations and lived experiences to build a more inclusive, age-friendly country for all.

June marks Seniors Month, Pride Month and Indigenous History Month in Canada—three important opportunities to reflect, celebrate and amplify the diverse voices and experiences of older adults. 

This edition also includes some incredible updates from our partners, our growing team of Fellows and our ongoing efforts to spotlight the experiences of older adults across Canada. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• Inaugural Pension Centre of Excellence Spring Symposium: A milestone moment bringing together cross-sector leaders to improve pension coverage and retirement income security in Canada.

• On the Ground in Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada: Our Policy Team connects with Community-Based Seniors Serving organizations, sharing local data and learning from grassroots leaders. Plus, a new infographic on what ageing in Atlantic Canada looks like. 

• Partner Spotlight – Aging with Affirmation: Egale Canada's powerful new report shares the lived experiences of transgender and gender-diverse older adults and calls for inclusive, affirming models of care.

• Listen to Baycrest’s #DefyDementia podcast for an inspiring Pride-themed episode where we delve into the lives of 2SLGBTQI advocates Susan Gapka and Dr. Samir Sinha as they share their experiences, insights and learnings.

• Casting Call – Share Your Story and Help Reframe Dementia: We’re seeking adults 40+ who’ve been personally impacted by dementia to take part in a new public education campaign. 

• Welcoming two new NIA Fellows: Danny Martin and Gareth Gibbins
   Two experienced leaders join our network, bringing strengths in pension risk and investment and legal and policy development. 

• And some great sector events, including Dr. Samir Sinha speaking at the UK House of Lords: Sharing Canadian insights on ageing and social deprivation that arose from the 2024 Canada-UK Colloquium and Arushan Arulnamby speaking at the TMU 50 plus Festival about Ageing in the Right Place. 

As always, thank you for your continued support, insight and collaboration. 

Warm regards,

Mark Hazelden
Executive Director (Interim)
National Institute on Ageing

Thank You for Making History at the First NIA Spring Symposium for the Pension Centre of Excellence

Last week, we had the honour of welcoming 31 member organizations from across Canada to our inaugural Spring Symposium — a milestone moment for the NIA’s Pension Centre of Excellence (PCE) and for the future of retirement income security in Canada. This event marked more than just a first gathering — it was the beginning of a shared commitment to building a stronger, research-driven and collaborative retirement income system for all Canadians. This event brought together an extraordinary group of leaders from across the retirement income ecosystem, including pension plans, policymakers, regulators, researchers, unions, employers and insurers.

“The Pension Centre of Excellence is built on the thought leadership of its members and supported by a distinguished network of researchers — all bringing unparalleled expertise to the table. Together, we’ve transformed retirement financial security from a goal with no champion into a collective mission embraced across the Canadian retirement income system.”

Topics ranged from expanding access to existing pension plans to “DIY” pension-like vehicles to encourage retirement savings.  From inspiring remarks to thought-provoking discussions, the day was filled with insights that will shape the PCE’s research and direction going forward.

Special thanks to EY Canada for generously hosting this first symposium. We are deeply grateful to everyone who brought their time, ideas and passion to the table and look forward to seeing everyone again at our Fall Symposium.

From Saskatchewan to the Yukon: Listening, Learning and Leading with Local Voices on Ageing

This month, NIA Policy Team members hit the road with our partners at HelpAge Canada to connect with incredible Community-Based Seniors Serving (CBSS) organizations across Saskatchewan—from Regina to Saskatoon and beyond. At every stop, we had the opportunity to learn from local leaders who are working creatively and collaboratively to support older adults in their communities.

In Halifax, we were proud to share new regional insights from the NIA’s Ageing in Canada Survey — now available for the first time in a dedicated infographic focused on Atlantic Canada.

This marks a major milestone: the first time the NIA has provided region-specific snapshots that reflect the lived experiences of adults aged 65+ across the country. In Atlantic Canada, the data highlights both strengths — like strong social ties and a positive outlook on ageing — and persistent challenges, including social isolation, financial vulnerability, limited access to care and ageism.

This data isn’t just interesting: it’s useful. Sector partners can use the survey findings to make informed, real-world decisions grounded in the experiences of older adults today and strengthen their advocacy efforts with timely, localized evidence. Stakeholders often tell us that NIA survey data informs funding applications and these regional data snapshots will make proposals even stronger. 

This resource offers a window into the lived experiences of adults aged 65+ in the region, highlighting strengths like strong social ties and a positive outlook on ageing, as well as ongoing challenges such as social isolation, financial vulnerability, limited access to care and persistent ageism.

A heartfelt thank you to all the local partners who welcomed us so warmly, especially the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, Aging Well Nova Scotia and Aimee Foreman of Silvermark, for their generous hospitality and HelpAge Canada for their outstanding leadership.

And in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we reflect on our recent visit to the Yukon, where we had the privilege of learning directly from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Their stories of resilience, community and the unique challenges faced in remote and Indigenous communities — including housing, transportation and access to care — underscore the importance of inclusive, place-based policy that reflects the full diversity of the ageing experience in Canada.

Partner Spotlight

June is Seniors Month – Learn About Aging with Affirmation by Egale Canada

What do health care and social services look like for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) older adults in Canada? Egale Canada’s latest report, Aging with Affirmation, offers powerful insights into this question.

Developed in partnership with researchers across Canada, the report explores the lived experiences of TGD older adults (50+), service providers and community advocates through a series of focus groups. The findings highlight five key themes—ranging from historical and structural oppression to everyday precarity, resistance and the urgent need for inclusive, ground-up care models.

This is the first study of its kind in Canada and it serves as a call to action for more affirming, intersectional and responsive systems of care for TGD older adults.

Read their latest blog post about this report at 2slgbtqi-aging.ca.

Defy Dementia Episode 25: Living with Pride in the Face of Dementia by Baycrest

In this special Pride episode, learn about the increased risk of dementia facing those in the 2SLGBTQI communities and about the tools, techniques and resources available to mitigate that risk. Listen to the latest episode of the Defy Dementia podcast. 

Welcome to Our New Associate Fellows – Danny Martin, Gareth Gibbins

We’re thrilled to welcome Danny Martin, FSA, FCIA, as a NIA Associate Fellow. Based in Eckler’s Montreal office, Danny leads the firm’s Risk and Investment Practice. With over 20 years of experience, he brings deep expertise in investment strategy, risk management and pension plan design. He’s worked with both public and private sector funds and is a regular speaker on retirement and investment topics. Welcome, Danny!

We’re pleased to welcome Gareth Gibbins as an Associate Fellow. A legal and policy expert with 20+ years in pensions, Gareth brings global insight and leadership experience from top Canadian institutions. He’s also a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, driven by his experience as a father of two autistic sons. Welcome to the NIA community, Gareth!

Casting Call: Share Your Story and Help Reframe Dementia

We are launching a new public education campaign—and we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for individuals aged 40+ who have been personally impacted by dementia—whether through a loved one, caregiving, or their own experience.

This campaign aims to raise awareness about dementia prevention and challenge the idea that dementia is an inevitable part of ageing. By focusing on modifiable risk factors like hearing health, physical activity, social connection and diet, we want to empower Canadians to take action earlier in life.

• Filming Dates: July 22–23, 2025

• Location: Toronto (exact location TBD)

• Who We’re Looking For: Adults 40+ with a personal connection to dementia

Help us change the conversation around dementia. To express interest or learn more, contact info.nia@torontomu.ca 

Dr. Samir Sinha Delivers an Address in the UK House of Lords on the Need to Achieve Greater Health Equity in Canada

Kingdom, Dr. Sinha was invited as the other member of Team Canada to provide the Canadian perspectives that emerged in this report.

In his speech, Dr. Sinha highlighted the shared challenges of unequal health outcomes in both countries, including chronic underinvestment in social care, workforce shortages and systemic inequities, particularly for Indigenous populations in Canada. He emphasized the need for equity-driven, cross-sector policy solutions that address the social determinants of health and called for greater collaboration between Canada and the UK to advance more inclusive and sustainable health and social care systems.

Learn more at cukc.net/2024

Moving Beyond: Lost in Translation - Community Knowledge Exchange Forum

This forum, held on June 25 at Toronto Metropolitan University, brought together researchers, care providers and community leaders to explore how language technologies can better support older immigrant adults in care settings. Co-hosted by Josephine P. Wong and Rosanra Yoon, the forum shared key research, highlighted digital gaps and encouraged inclusive, human-centred solutions. Dr. Samir Sinha joined the fireside chat to share his insights on ageing and the importance of language-concordant care.

Exploring Alternative Housing: Reimagining Where and How We Age

On June 23, Arushan Arulnamby, NIA Policy Analyst, and Raza M. Mirza, COO of HelpAge Canada, explored small care-home models for long-term care and innovative approaches like intergenerational home-sharing. The conversation shed light on the complex decisions older Canadians face—and the need for more flexible, inclusive housing solutions as we age.

ICYMI: Women’s Health, Menopause & Dementia – Addressing Misconceptions through Evidence-based Insights

This webinar brought together leading experts in women’s brain health to explore the complex connections between sex, ageing and cognition. Featuring Dr. M. Natasha Rajah and Dr. Gillian Einstein, and moderated by Dr. Samir Sinha, this engaging session unpacked recent research on biological sex differences in brain health, the impact of menopause on cognitive function and the often-overlooked links between women’s health and dementia. Over 450 viewers joined for the livestream! Watch the recording here.

Investigating Barriers in Adoption and Acceptance of Assistive and Smart Technologies for Aging in Place

Led by behavioural scientist Dr. Natalia Cooper and funded by the National Research Council of Canada, this survey explores how people experience and engage with technologies that support aging at home. Your input will help identify key barriers to adoption and shape future phases of a multi-year research project aimed at improving the usability and accessibility of these tools. Read more.

Seniors Month 2025: CBA Enhances Fraud Prevention Resources to Empower Older Adults in Combating Financial Scams and Abuse

To mark Seniors Month, the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) has launched an updated Fraud Prevention Toolkit for Older Adults, offering practical tips to help seniors recognize and report scams, especially those using AI and other emerging technologies. Released in partnership with Get Cyber Safe and timed with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the toolkit is part of the CBA’s broader effort to promote financial literacy and protect older Canadians from fraud and financial abuse. Read more.

Why Seniors Are Demanding More than Just Care

Perceptions of aging are shifting as today’s seniors increasingly reject outdated stereotypes of decline and dependency in favour of vibrant, self-directed living. No longer satisfied with care models that focus solely on safety and medical needs, older adults are seeking lifestyles that prioritize independence, intellectual engagement, physical wellness and genuine social connection. This evolution is prompting a reimagining of senior living—one that embraces holistic well-being, personalized support and opportunities for continued growth. Read more. 

Growing Older Living Deeply

The Age Collective (TAC) is dedicated to reshaping how society views aging by celebrating the voices and stories of older adults through the arts. As part of this mission, we’re proud to introduce the Growing Older, Living Deeply (GOLD) Poetry Project, an ongoing initiative inviting Canadians aged 55 and up to submit original poetry that reflects on the aging journey. With new themed calls released every few months, participants are encouraged to explore different facets of growing older. Our current theme is Self & Identity and we’re accepting submissions until July 10, 2025. Read more.

Sector Events:

• July 15, 2025: Women in Pensions Webinar: Research into Reality: Academic Pension Research and the Journey Behind the Pension Centre of Excellence

• October 6-9, 2025: 2025 Healthy Aging Alberta Summit 

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TMU National Institute on Ageing Fund

Help create a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence by making a charitable gift to the TMU National Institute on Ageing Fund today. Gifts to the TMU National Institute on Ageing Fund make a tangible impact on the future of ageing in Canada. You choose the amount. You make the difference. Donate now!