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Dear friends and colleagues across Canada,
The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) has been laser-focused on taking action to delay or prevent dementia:
Last week we launched Small Steps Big Difference, a national public education campaign rooted in the hopeful—and evidence-backed— message that it’s never too early or too late to take action to improve your brain health. Hopefully you’ve already seen our messages online or heard
them on the radio. We’re so proud of this campaign. Please take two minutes to watch the lead video.
Our health policy research team delivered a timely report on the state of dementia in Canada, including an analysis of strategies across provinces. We need updated plans in every jurisdiction, rooted in prevention and better public reporting of progress against those plans.
A webinar with friends from the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario and McGill University summarized findings and featured a lively discussion.
This newsletter also features:
A Policy Implementation Brief focused on our Pension Backed Death Benefit update to CPP
A new infographic on smartphone use among older Canadians, derived from our Ageing in Canada Survey
A new round of the Canadian Leadership in Ageing Awards launched in partnership with RTOERO. There are two $1,000 awards, with entries open from September 26 to October 24 (details below)
- National and Global Leadership – notes from recent engagements in Atlantic Canada and at the International Federation on Ageing Global Conference in Cape Town
Thank you for being part of this journey as we work to ensure that older Canadians can age with confidence, dignity and support.
Finally, tomorrow (September 30th) is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, when we honour the survivors of residential schools, their families and the generations of Indigenous peoples whose lives and communities continue to be affected by this legacy. Our policy team is continuing this journey of listening and learning in Thunder Bay, where we are meeting in-person with community leaders and Indigenous Elders to gain insight into the experiences and research needs of the local community-based seniors’ services (CBSS) sector, together with our partners at HelpAge Canada.
The NIA is committed to advancing policies that respect and support the health, dignity and wellbeing of Indigenous older adults across Canada.
This week is also National Day of Older Persons (October 1st), which reminds us of the urgent need to build a Canada where older adults can age with dignity, equity and support.
Warm regards,
Mark Hazelden
Executive Director (Interim)
National Institute on Ageing
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Strengthening Retirement Income Security on the National Day of Older Persons |
This October 1st, on the National Day of Older Persons, the NIA is proud to introduce a new policy solution designed to improve the financial security of Canadians as they age: the Pension-Back Death Benefit (PBDB).
The PBDB would add a simple, fair and cost-effective feature to the Canada and Québec Pension Plans (CPP/QPP). If someone delays claiming their pension and dies before collecting as much as they would have by starting at 60, the PBDB ensures their estate receives the difference. In effect, it provides a money-back guarantee that removes the fear of “losing out” by waiting—one of the biggest barriers preventing Canadians who can afford to delay from maximizing their lifelong retirement income security.
Importantly, the PBDB requires no extra taxpayer dollars or higher contributions by workers or employers. It is fully self-financed through modest adjustments within the existing CPP and QPP structures.
As Canada marks the National Day of Older Persons, this reform represents a timely and pragmatic step toward ensuring that all Canadians can be supported to age with greater dignity, fairness and confidence in their retirement financial security.
Now Is the Moment to Act
Amendments to the CPP can only be considered on a predetermined review schedule and we are now approaching one of those moments — making this a pivotal time to move the policy forward. We urge policymakers and stakeholders to act now to seize this opportunity and make the CPP/QPP work better for all Canadians.
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| READ OUR LATEST POLICY IMPLEMENTATION BRIEF
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Small Steps Big Difference: Join Us in Changing the Story on Dementia |
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Last week, in the leadup to World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21st), we launched Small Steps Big Difference—a national public education campaign showing that up to half of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 simple, modifiable risk factors.
This campaign uses real stories, practical resources and powerful evidence to raise awareness, challenge stigma and inspire Canadians to take action for brain health.
Here’s how you can help spread the word:
Watch and share the campaign videos
Download and post the shareable infographics, social media content and other resources available in English and French at smallstepsbigdifference.ca
Start conversations with your networks—every share helps reduce stigma and encourages prevention
The campaign launches alongside our new research report, Addressing Dementia in Canada: Current Trends, Challenges and Opportunities in Improving Public Awareness, Reducing the Risk and Challenging Stigma Related to Dementia, which underscores why urgent, coordinated action is needed now.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Slaight Family Foundation for their generous support in making this campaign possible.
Together, we can make a big difference. Join us in spreading the word today: smallstepsbigdifference.ca.
In case you missed it, watch our latest webinar, Addressing Dementia in Canada: Raising Awareness, Challenging Stigma, Reducing Risk.
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On the Road: Connecting with Community Partners |
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NIA Policy Team members travelled with our partners at HelpAge Canada to connect with incredible Community-Based-Seniors-Serving (CBSS) organizations in
Prince Edward Island.
We also shared our research with elected officials and civil servants within the PEI government, including the Government House Leader, Susie Dillon and the Deputy Minister for Seniors, Doriann MacMillan.
A warm thank you to United Way Maritimes and the PEI government for such a kind welcome.
We were also proud to contribute our latest research to this year’s SeniorsNL Conference: Aging Vibrantly in Place. The NIA’s Ageing in Canada Survey research informed a presentation given by Director of Policy Gabrielle Gallant.
The findings shed light on both the strengths and challenges in the region—and why the local context matters in shaping ageing policy. As we continue our travels, we remain committed to listening, learning and incorporating the voices of older Canadians to build stronger, more age-inclusive policy that makes an impact.
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| DOWNLOAD OUR ATLANTIC CANADA INFOGRAPHIC
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New Infographic: Smartphone Use Among Older Canadians |
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How connected are older adults in Canada? Our latest infographic, based on findings from the 2024 Ageing in Canada Survey, highlights smartphone ownership and usage trends among Canadians aged 50+. From generational differences to education and health-related use, explore how technology is shaping the lives of older adults across the country.
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| DOWNLOAD THE INFOGRAPHIC
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2025 Canadian Leadership in Ageing Awards competition |
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The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) at Toronto Metropolitan University and RTOERO are hosting the 2025 Canadian Leadership in Ageing Awards competition.
The graduate award ($1,000) will be presented to a graduate student enrolled at a Canadian college or university who has demonstrated leadership in policy development or advocacy in support of older adults and healthy ageing.
The undergraduate award ($1,000) will be presented to an undergraduate student enrolled at a Canadian college or university who has shown exemplary leadership in the area of older adults and healthy ageing through a project or research in the topic area.
Both of the awards will be offered Canada-wide and will highlight the leadership students have taken to address challenges and increase opportunities associated with Canada’s ageing population in the past year.
Entry period: September 26, 2025 at 12:00am ET and ends on October 24, 2025
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| LEARN MORE HERE
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NIA at the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) Conference 2025 |
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Earlier this month, the NIA joined colleagues and partners from around the world at the IFA’s 17ᵗʰ Global Conference on Ageing in Cape Town, South
Africa.
Our interim Executive Director, Mark Hazelden, presented findings from the NIA’s 2024 Ageing in Canada Survey, highlighting how older Canadians are experiencing the foundations of healthy ageing—ranging from housing and income security to social inclusion and access to health supports.
The NIA’s Director of Health Policy Research, Dr. Samir Sinha, contributed to several key sessions on the future of technology and ageing. His talks explored:
Ethical and human rights considerations of AI and digital technologies in supporting healthy ageing and ageing-in-place, including in long-term care
Addressing the unique needs of older adults in conflict and disaster zones
Leveraging technology for sustainable development, age-friendly communities and global human rights frameworks
Through these contributions, the NIA was proud to bring a Canadian perspective to the global dialogue on healthy ageing, while strengthening international collaboration on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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In Case You Missed It |
Earlier this month, the NIA’s Dr. Samir Sinha served as the Canadian representative on the World Health Organization(WHO)/Pa- American Health Organization (PAHO) Webinar “Long-Term Care for Older People: Set of Interventions for Universal Health Coverage in the Americas.”
The session explored the main contributions of this important document, highlighted country experiences, including the development of Canada’s new Long-Term Care Standards, which Dr. Sinha led and opened a dialogue with regional experts on how to advance long-term care systems that ensure dignity, equity and wellbeing for all.
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| WATCH THE RECORDING HERE
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NIA Gives Back |
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Walking Together: NIA at The Grand Parade
The NIA team stepped out in support of seniors and their families in Toronto at The Grand Parade, under our team name “Age Against the Machine.” The Grand Parade is a Canada-wide fundraising walk that raises awareness and funds for local charities serving older adults. The Toronto event supported Toronto Council on Aging (with donations open until October 31).
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NIA Joined the Clean-Up Crew at Cherry Beach
The National Institute on Ageing was proud to partner with Don’t Mess with the Don for a waterway and park clean-up at Cherry Beach. Our team rolled up their sleeves to help clear debris, protect wildlife, appreciate nature in our city, and make our shared spaces safer and cleaner.
Together, we gave back to the environment and built community—one garbage bag at a time.
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NIA Research Informing National Seniors Council Dialogues
The National Seniors Council has released two new reports in its policy dialogue series, both drawing on evidence from the NIA’s Ageing in Canada Survey. Dialogue – Preventing Social Isolation and Loneliness and Promoting Social Engagement and Connectedness in Canada reveals that 43% of Canadians aged 50+ are at risk of social isolation and up to 59% have experienced loneliness.
Dialogue – Caregivers of Older Adults highlights the growing caregiving crisis as demand for care increases, caregivers themselves age and needs become more complex. Together, these dialogues spark national conversations and identify opportunities for government action to strengthen social connections and better support the millions of Canadians caring for older adults.
Defy Dementia
Poor sleep, social isolation, and lack of exercise can all raise dementia risk—but research shows that healthy lifestyle changes could prevent up to 45% of cases worldwide. In this episode of Defy Dementia, hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler put these findings to the test, sharing their own brain-healthy resolutions—the wins, struggles and lessons learned along the way. They also report back on the latest brain health news, some from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025, including the latest info on drug trials, early detection blood tests, a major lifestyle study and surprising links between dementia and factors like lithium, wildfire smoke exposure and the shingles vaccine. Tune in at defydementia.org, or anywhere you get your podcast.
York University Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuro-Intervention Lab
York University researchers are recruiting adults aged 60+ for a two-session study on aging, brain health and decision-making. Participants will complete computer-based decision-making games, cognitive tests and questionnaires. Each session lasts about 4 hours (with breaks) and participants will receive $60 per session ($120 in total) plus free parking. Weekend sessions are available. See the attached flyer for details.
The Impact of Internet Connectivity and Technological Tools on Reducing Seniors’ Social Isolation and Loneliness During the Pandemic and Beyond.
This report examines the use of internet connectivity and technological tools among seniors, caregivers and senior-serving organizations, the impact of this on reducing seniors’ social isolation and loneliness during the pandemic and how seniors’ usage of the internet and technology has changed from pre-pandemic.
The work of the Forum supports Canadian seniors to receive the tailored services and supports they need to thrive, no matter where they live. Read more.
Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation: Local Grants Now Open Until October 17
The Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation is accepting applications for $7,500 local grants to support family caregivers. Eligible charities can apply to fund vital programs, provide tools and resources and strengthen capacity to better serve caregivers.
Local Grants - CareMakers
Applications Open: Maytree Policy School 2026
Apply by October 15, 2025 for this six-month program (January–June) in Toronto. Designed for 20–25 senior non-profit policy professionals, it builds sector capacity through strategy development and consultation with leaders. Learn more.
HSO Public consultation
The public review of the new CAN/HSO 35001 Home Care and Support Services National Standard of Canada is open from August 28 to October 27, 2025. This streamlined standard sets clear requirements to support safe, equitable and person-centred home care. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft, complete the survey and share their feedback. Read more.
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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!
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| DONATE TODAY!
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