The Centre for Technological Adaptation in the North

Who is CTAAN

The Centre for Technological Adaptation for Aging in the North, or ‘CTAAN ‘, works with the local health authority, Northern Health. They offer a unique opportunity for collaborators who want to make an impact on the lives of older adults. They provide a unique testing ground for technologies designed to tackle the pressing challenges of healthcare access in remote regions. CTAAN also works with researchers and innovators in a real-world testing environment to gather rapid feedback and explore pathways to commercialization. They have other working relationships with AGEWELL– Canada’s Technology and Aging Network and the University of Northern British Columbia.

Which programs do they use?

CTAAN has a few programs that they administer for aging people. They have an AgeTech Demonstration Lab, which features innovative ‘age-tech‘ from partners. With their activities, they are increasing awareness and interest in age tech through community engagement initiatives. Those initiatives include workshops, seminars and guided tours of the lab. They are committed to shifting the narrative around age tech and are championing a future where aging is supported by smart, inclusive solutions.

Do you have any smart devices?

Increasingly, people of all ages, including older people, are wearing ‘smartwatches‘. They count steps and heartbeats; some measure blood pressure and even blood sugar. Sleep is also often recorded. Some measure activity, providing alerts to ‘get moving’ after a period of inactivity. Some even have GPS. There are smartwatches and other wearable devices from medical providers. Pulse Medical is one that does all that, reminds the user of medication, and alerts health care providers of serious falls. They come with a subscription cost that could be written off under a ‘Disability Tax Credit‘. CTAAN likely uses similar technology to the medical companies and their subscription costs, as well as more technical devices provided by partners and collaborators.