Research Innovations Directory
Aging innovations in Québec
●Numerous innovations and programs developed by researchers in Québec help support older adults, their autonomy, and their well-being.
●Several of these initiatives were identified during the Aging in Québec – Research Perspectives Summit, organized by the Québec Research Network on Aging (RQRV) and its partners. The innovations presented below represent a selection of initiatives we have identified in the field of aging in Québec.
●If you have developed an innovation related to aging in Québec, we invite you to share it with us by completing the short form available below.
Submit an innovation
The RQRV Innovation Directory is not an exhaustive list. To enrich this directory and help promote initiatives developed in Québec, we invite researchers and their partners to share the innovations they have developed.
If you would like to submit an innovation, please complete the short questionnaire below. The information provided will help us evaluate whether the initiative can be included in the directory.
Eligibility criteria
To be included in the directory, an innovation must:
- focus on aging;
- result from work conducted with a Québec researcher who is a member of the RQRV;
- have reached a sufficient level of maturity to allow implementation or adoption.
Directory of identified innovations
Below is a selection of innovations developed in Quebec in the field of aging, categorized according to the RQRV’s thematic groups (detailed fact sheets available in French).
Cognition and mental health
| Name of the innovation (link in French) | Objectives | Target population |
|---|---|---|
| Training program for trainers on methods based on the preserved abilities of people living with a neurocognitive disorder | Train trainers/ practitioners/ older adults to use approaches focused on the preserved abilities of people living with a neurocognitive disorder |
Staff members from organizations who will in turn train practitioners within their organization |
| Evaluation of the effects of a personal goal-setting program on retirees’ social engagement. | Promote the achievement of meaningful goals (including social engagement) to support psychological well-being | Retired individuals, all ages |
|
Interactive Memory Aid (AMI): a web application for implementing cognitive strategies that support learning in people living with a neurocognitive disorder |
Implement cognitive strategies to support learning and the maintenance of daily activities and social roles | Practitioners and caregivers of people living with a neurocognitive disorder |
|
Brain Health PRO Program |
Increase literacy regarding neurocognitive disorders and reduce modifiable risk factors | Older adults without cognitive impairment, with subjective cognitive complaints, or with MCI |
|
MÉMO Program |
Promote memory functioning in older adults without cognitive impairment and those with mild neurocognitive disorder | Older adults without cognitive impairment, with subjective cognitive complaints, or with MCI |
| Cognitive stimulation workshop | Improve memory and attention through structured workshops | Older adults without cognitive impairment or with subjective cognitive complaints |
| VIEsÂGE Program (Living Without Anxiety for Older Adults) | Train and equip professionals who work with older adults experiencing psychological distress (anxiety and depression) so that they can better support them | Staff members of organizations (non-profits and private sector) working with older adults; Pro version: healthcare professionals (public and private sectors) |
| SAN (Night Assistance System): use of ambient technologies to reduce nighttime anxiety | Reduce nighttime anxiety and wandering while guiding individuals back to bed using ambient technologies | Frail older adults living alone and suffering from cognitive impairment |
Physical health mechanisms and determinants
| Name of the innovation (link) | Objectives | Target population |
|---|---|---|
| CARE Frailty Scale (telehealth) | Enable dyads (older adult + caregiver) to identify frailty and associated risks | People living with major neurocognitive disorders |
|
PROACTIF questionnaire |
Enable adults aged 65+ to independently identify risks of functional decline (without the assistance of a healthcare professional) | Adults aged 65 and over |
|
Lifestyle Redesign: a preventive occupational therapy approach where meaningful activities and empowerment are at the core of healthy aging |
Support older adults in developing a healthy and meaningful lifestyle through engagement in daily activities | Community-dwelling older adults (all profiles) |
|
GPS: Evaluation of the impact of work reorganization in Family Medicine Groups (GMF) on pharmacotherapy and support for autonomy among older adults with major neurocognitive disorders |
Improve pharmacotherapy and reduce medication burden |
Older adults aged 65+ undergoing cognitive assessment or diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder |
|
Heel2Toe™ Wearable Sensor & Walk-BEST™ Therapeutic Walking Program |
Help individuals improve walking ability, increase mobility, and reduce fall risk | People with walking difficulties (related to aging, injuries, or neuro-musculoskeletal conditions) |
|
Telemonitoring to support home care services for older adults |
Monitor activities of daily living to improve and personalize home support services | Frail older adults living alone, (with or without cognitive impairments) |
|
GERAS-PTH 2: Development of a multimodal prehabilitation program for patients awaiting total hip replacement (THR) in a community setting |
Optimize health condition before surgery and support the transition back home | Older adults aged 65+ awaiting THR surgery and their caregivers |
|
NutriAGES |
Develop care pathways and nutritional services for older adults at nutritional risk | Older adults living at home in vulnerable / socially isolated situations and at risk of malnutrition |
|
Living in Balance Program – Building Skills to Prevent Falls and Maintain an Active Lifestyle |
Strengthen confidence in preventing falls while remaining active | Older adults living at home, in retirement residences, or attending day centres (without neurocognitive disorders) |
|
A research-based FemTech solution to treat urinary incontinence in menopausal women: a mobile application with a Bluetooth vaginal dynamometer |
Prevent and treat urinary incontinence through digital self-care approaches | Menopausal women aged 55 and over |
|
Community-based atrial fibrillation screening |
Develop an opportunistic screening pathway using a mobile ECG device | Older adults reached through social geriatrics navigators |
|
Connecting older adults through T-Top, a social assistance robot |
Promote social participation and social connection through the use of a social assistance robot | Older adults living at home or in retirement residences |
Milieux de vie et interactions sociales
| Name of the innovation (link) | Objectives | Target population |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthy Aging Education Program |
Promote healthy aging by strengthening decision-making autonomy | Adults aged 65 and over |
|
Cap mobilité 65+ Toolkit |
Equip older adults, caregivers, and practitioners with tools for safe transportation habits | Older adults, caregivers, and practitioners |
|
The Pleasure-Based Approach in Care and Services |
Facilitate caregiver-care recipient relationships by focusing on enjoyable shared moments | Older adults with neurocognitive disorders / loss of autonomy, caregivers, and practitioners |
|
Social participation of older adults facing marginalization and exclusion: development of intervention tools to support inclusion in community leisure settings |
Develop tools to support inclusion in community leisure environments | Older adults living with invisible conditions (intellectual disabilities, neurocognitive disorders, mental health conditions) |
|
HABITATS Movement Interforums |
Foster citizen and entrepreneur led solutions driven by older adults | Adults aged 60+, caregivers, practitioners, and engaged citizens |
|
RÉEL Program (Fulfilled Retirement and Leisure) |
Promote an autonomous and informed approach to choosing a living environment | Older adults and caregivers |
|
EMiliA: Exploring Living Environments for Older Adults Today and in the Future |
Support caregivers by promoting the positive aspects of caregiving through shared activities | Caregiver-care recipient dyads involving neurocognitive disorders |
|
“Together for Fun!” Program |
Help new retirees develop a meaningful leisure and life plan | Older adults experiencing difficulties adapting to retirement or wishing to optimize this transition |
|
Building a More Supportive Society Through Intergenerational Initiatives – Toolkit for Community Settings |
Support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of intergenerational activities | Practitioners, managers, and volunteers involved in intergenerational initiatives |
|
Living with Risk (Dignity of Risk) |
Reduce risks while promoting dignity of risk and a participatory approach | Older adults experiencing declining capacities |
Health policy, care, and social services
| Name of the innovation (link) | Objectives | Target population |
|---|---|---|
|
Socio-GERiatric Assessment (ESOGER): A practical telehealth clinical tool to address health deterioration and social isolation among vulnerable older adults |
Rapidly identify the socio-health needs of vulnerable older adults and prioritize interventions | Community stakeholders working with people living with major neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers |
|
Ethical Reflection Guide to Prevent Organizational Mistreatment |
Prevent organizational mistreatment in CHSLDs | Older adults living in public or private residential care facilities |
|
ANAAIS Website – Social and Technological Innovations for Better Aging and Living Together |
Enable caregivers to book respite services in real time | Caregivers of older adults |
|
COOK: an Internet of Things and artificial intelligence-based technology |
Ensure safety during meal preparation at home through assistance (fire prevention, and telemonitoring) | Frail older adults with/without cognitive impairments; individuals with traumatic brain injuries |
|
Adapted equipment loan program |
Provide rapid access to adapted equipment to support autonomy and safety | Independent or semi-independent older adults; caregivers |
|
Social geriatrics Sentinel Training Program |
Train citizens and practitioners to recognize signs of accelerated aging and raise alerts when needed | Older adults, caregivers, practitioners, and anyone in contact with older adults |
|
Small home repair services for older adults |
Provide assistance with small household tasks to promote safety and aging in place | Older adults living at home who are isolated, experiencing loss of autonomy, or living with low income |
|
Medication review support tool in geriatrics |
Guide step-by-step medication review and optimization | Physicians, pharmacists, and nurses |
