Best OLTCA Podcasts (2025)

1
The magic of Living Classrooms 32:16

1M ago32:16

32:16

How do we build a thriving workforce to meet the growing demands of seniors’ care? With aging populations on the rise, the need for creative solutions in workforce development has never been more urgent. Enter the Living Classroom – a program that integrates education directly into long-term care. This innovative approach is training the next gener…

1
How to make big change happen 47:20

1M ago47:20

47:20

What does it take to create transformative change in healthcare and senior care? Around the world, health systems are facing a generational shift as aging populations grow, yet many remain unprepared for the scale of demand. Why has this pivotal moment been so difficult to address? What can we learn from past failures, and how can we pave the way f…

1
Connection, housing and care: Redefining caring for older adults 50:51

3M ago50:51

50:51

How can we plan communities of care that work across diverse settings, while balancing the immediate needs of today’s older adults with planning for future generations? In this episode, we explore redefining seniors’ care. From balancing immediate needs with long-term planning to fostering models of care that prioritize connection, housing and care…

1
Is care for seniors influencing how political parties are making decisions? 53:52

3M ago53:52

53:52

Elections are taking place around the world and across Canada. What are voters thinking and how is it informing how political parties are making decisions about healthcare and seniors’ care, including long-term care? This episode dives into these timely issues in two parts: Donna Duncan first sits down with David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, to exp…

1
Aging and social care’s evolving landscape in the UK 45:47

3M ago45:47

45:47

What can the United Kingdom teach us about rethinking aging and social care? In a world that's becoming more interconnected, there's an increasing focus on sharing insights and challenging one another to find innovative solutions for the future of care and reimagining what aging and social care can look like. In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down…

1
Honest aging 49:35

5M ago49:35

49:35

When you hear "normal aging," what comes to mind? For many, the concept is clouded by misconceptions and fears about the years ahead. But what if we could embrace aging as a natural, even empowering part of life? In this episode, Donna Duncan sits down with Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, geriatrician and author of Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Seco…

1
How to have essential conversations about aging and care 45:53

5M ago45:53

45:53

How do we talk with our aging parents about their health, care needs, and life transitions? More and more of us are entering a phase of life we didn’t quite anticipate—caring for our aging parents. As Canada's population ages, it’s becoming crucial for families to plan ahead and have open, honest conversations about aging and future care needs. Whe…

1
Caregiver trends, needs, and ways to cope 55:37

6M ago55:37

55:37

What does it mean to be a family caregiver in today’s world? In Ontario, more than 4 million individuals step into the role of caregiver, providing essential support to family members, partners, friends, or neighbours. Most caregivers are assisting older adults over 65 who face age-related needs including mobility issues, cognitive impairments like…

1
Reimagining how we create seniors’ communities 49:01

6M ago49:01

49:01

How can we re-think how we build seniors’ communities? In Canada, innovative partnerships are leading the way in transforming how we think about aging and care. One such groundbreaking initiative is unfolding in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada where Trent University is building a seniors’ village on the university campus, and they are partnering with…

1
Artificial intelligence and the exciting possibilities for seniors’ care 43:12

7M ago43:12

43:12

How do we build a better future for seniors? Seniors’ populations around the world are growing and innovative solutions are crucial to meet their evolving needs. In regions like Ontario, Canada, novel projects in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are showing us what the future can look like. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Roxa…

1
Building a sustainable global care workforce 32:03

7M ago32:03

32:03

How can we address the critical health workforce shortage and build a sustainable future for seniors' care? In Canada, and especially in Ontario, the demand for nurses and personal support workers continues to climb. Ontario alone needs tens of thousands of additional workers to meet the growing care needs and to support new long-term care spaces. …

1
Coming of Age: Season 4 1:11

8M ago1:11

1:11

Welcome to Season 4 of 'Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population.' In just four years, the oldest baby boomers will turn 80. By 2040, in Ontario alone, our over-80 population will have nearly doubled. For many, these numbers are hard to comprehend. But the reality is, our society is getting older, their health needs are getting more…

1
Leading in a time of great change 42:02

1+ y ago42:02

42:02

How do we build a better future for seniors? Elderly populations around the world are growing. And in regions like Ontario, Canada, one in five seniors over the age of 80 have complex care needs that currently can only be safely met in long-term care. Yet Ontario has more than 40,000 people waiting for long-term care and the list is growing. In thi…

1
Naturally occurring retirement communities 37:46

1+ y ago37:46

37:46

How can communities help more seniors to age in place? Canada’s urban areas are home to a large number of older adults, and more are choosing to live in apartment and condo buildings than ever before. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by a researcher and innovator on naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) in urban centres: Jen Rec…

1
Multi-sector planning for aging 39:50

1+ y ago39:50

39:50

How can jurisdictions work across sectors to ensure a better future for all of us as we age? Aging well is multifaceted and requires collaboration to develop and implement innovative and aligned solutions – such as local infrastructure, transportation, housing, health care and social services, education and more. In this episode, Donna Duncan is jo…

1
Boomers’ approach to their future care needs 32:46

1+ y ago32:46

32:46

Are Baby Boomers preparing for their future healthcare needs? In four years, the oldest of the Baby Boom generation will turn 80. By 2040, the population over 80 will double and we know their complex care needs will grow. Until recently however, one of the missing pieces of information in conversations about future seniors’ care planning was how th…

1
International nursing journeys to Canada 30:37

1+ y ago30:37

30:37

What does it take to become an accredited nurse in Canada? In a world where healthcare professionals are in high demand, nations are turning to internationally educated nurses to bridge the gap. In this episode, Donna Duncan invites two internationally educated nurses onto the podcast to share their journey from the Philippines to working in a long…

1
Caring across cultures 39:22

1+ y ago39:22

39:22

With an ever-changing demographic landscape, how do we provide care that can be tailored to individual, cultural needs? Also, with an increasing reliance on newcomers to Canada within the caregiving workforce, how do we ensure we are creating inclusive and welcoming work environments? These questions are top of mind with leaders and care providers …

1
Age-friendly technologies 41:35

1+ y ago41:35

41:35

As the first of the Baby Boomers soon turn 80, how can technology enhance their lives and help them stay home? Finding the right tools, that make life simpler and easier, is key. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Mike Agerbo, a digital living expert and family caregiver. For nearly 20 years, as a radio, TV and podcast host, Mike has been r…

1
Elder caregiving and the modern workplace 50:08

1+ y ago50:08

50:08

How will Canadians balance their caregiving duties with their jobs? As the first of the baby boomers soon turn 80, we expect a growing number of employees in workplaces across Canada with caregiving responsibilities. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by a panel of experts discussing elder caregiving and the modern workplace. Listen as they ex…

1
Global insights on seniors’ care 36:07

1+ y ago36:07

36:07

What sage advice for seniors’ care can we learn from others around the world? The cultural frameworks in which we live, work and age guide how we innovate – as governments, communities, and care providers. Stepping out of our own culture and systems, and exploring others, can open our eyes in ways we never expected. In this episode, Donna Duncan is…

1
Aging and mental wellbeing 41:11

1+ y ago41:11

41:11

Are we psychologically prepared as a society for aging? More and more we are seeing a fear of elderhood and avoidance to talking about its realities. This fuels a cycle of bias that we can change – through healthy discussion and proper support. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Dr. Sonu Gaind, a psychiatrist, professor and mental health ad…

1
The future of palliative care 45:59

1+ y ago45:59

45:59

How do we learn about and prepare for the natural course of a progressive illness? For patients and their loved ones, the journey includes both hope and grief. A palliative care approach can help us all better understand what to expect and set out realistic goals. In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by Dr. Samantha (Sammy) Winemaker, a Canadian…

1
Ageism unmasked 35:46

1+ y ago35:46

35:46

Why do we make assumptions about people based on their age? Each person is unique, and their age doesn't tell us anything other than how long they've been on the planet. “Age doesn't tell you what they value. It doesn't tell you what their ideology is. It doesn't tell you about their abilities. Nothing.” In this episode, Donna Duncan is joined by T…

1
Coming of Age: Season 3 1:50

1+ y ago1:50

1:50

As baby boomers age, a significant demographic shift is underway. By 2040, the population over 80 will double. But here’s the thing, our perceptions of aging and innovations for seniors’ care have not kept pace. Let’s change the conversation. Join us for Season 3 of Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our aging population, coming this September. Su…

1
Smashing the stigma surrounding ageing | Ashton Applewhite 30:43

2+ y ago30:43

30:43

In this episode, Donna is joined by Ashton Applewhite, an anti-ageism advocate, speaker and the author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism” and the blog “Yo, Is this Ageist?” Ashton is a writer, an activist, and an internationally recognized expert on ageism who was recently named one of “50 leaders around transforming the world into a…

1
Challenging the status quo in seniors’ care | Brent Gingerich 34:49

2+ y ago34:49

34:49

In this episode, Donna is joined by Brent Gingerich, Chairman and CEO of peopleCare Communities, who stepped up to serve as chair of our Board during the height of the pandemic. Highly regarded in the sector, Brent is known for exemplifying values-based leadership throughout the most difficult of times. Brent quite literally grew up in long-term ca…

1
The significant impact of gendered ageism on older women.| Dr. Paula Rochon and Dr. Paul Higgs 43:07

2+ y ago43:07

43:07

As women access seniors care in Ontario and other jurisdictions around the world, many of them are still frequently encountering gendered ageism and other healthcare inequities. In this episode, Donna discusses this issue with Dr. Paula Rochon, a Senior Scientist and Founder of Women’s Age Lab at Women’s College Hospital and Professor at the Univer…

1
New strategies for meeting the needs of our aging population | John Yip 37:35

2+ y ago37:35

37:35

In Ontario alone, the population of people over the age of 85 is set to double over the next 12 years. Currently, there are more than 40,000 people on the waitlist for long-term care in Ontario, while the system is facing significant staffing shortages. It’s time we develop new strategies for meeting the needs of our aging population. In this episo…

1
Expert data, research and insights into optimizing seniors care | John Hirdes 32:11

2+ y ago32:11

32:11

To ensure seniors are better supported, it will ultimately be about taking collective responsibility, both across the health system and throughout society, for supporting our aging population. In this episode, Donna is joined by John Hirdes, a professor at the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo and a renowned long-term c…

1
Recognizing and supporting caregivers | Amy Coupal 33:23

2+ y ago33:23

33:23

If we hope to provide better support to our ageing population over the coming years, we’ll need to adopt a fresh perspective and reimagine the way we think about the important role of caregivers. In this episode, Donna sits down with Amy Coupal, the CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization, to hear her insights about the evolving needs of the agei…

1
Transforming care through innovative partnerships | Cameron Love and Dr. Michael Guerriere 32:31

2+ y ago32:31

32:31

In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna shares an inspiring conversation with CEOs Cameron Love of the Ottawa Hospital and Dr. Michael Guerriere of Extendicare. Together, the two organizations run a transitional care unit in one of Extendicare’s long-term care homes, designed for people who no longer need to be in hospital, but who have high care n…

1
Reimagining seniors’ care | Dr. John Muscedere and Dr. Alex Mihailidis 35:55

2+ y ago35:55

35:55

As Ontario’s population of seniors continues to grow over the coming years, we will need to reimagine the way we provide care and support. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with two experts in aging who are helping to drive this transformation forward through their work: Dr. John Muscedere, the CEO of the Canadian Frailty Network an…

1
A humanistic approach to long-term care | Vincenzo Paolino 26:11

2+ y ago26:11

26:11

Exploring new innovations in seniors’ care from a global perspective can inspire us and lead to fresh ideas on how we can best support our seniors. In the first episode of Coming of Age’s second season, Donna sits down with Vincenzo Paolino, a specialist in geriatric care equipped with an entrepreneurial spirit. Vincenzo’s background includes a deg…

1
Lessons learned: Communicating during COVID | Max Stern 29:52

2+ y ago29:52

29:52

In this special episode of Coming of Age, the script is flipped as Donna takes on the guest hot seat. Instead of asking the questions, this time, Donna provides answers to questions asked by health communications professional Max Stern. Along with his former colleagues at Crestview, Max supported the Ontario Long Term Care Association throughout th…

1
Primary care matters: The critical role of family doctors | Kim Moran 30:27

2+ y ago30:27

30:27

It’s no secret that society has changed, and we’re asking much more of our health professionals and at a greater speed than ever before. It’s important that we find ways to ensure that our family doctors and other healthcare providers are supported, healthy and not overburdened. In this episode, Donna sits down with Kim Moran, the CEO of the Ontari…

1
Radical collaboration: Revolutionizing the way we teach health professionals | Dr. Jane Philpott 30:40

2+ y ago30:40

30:40

As Canada’s population of seniors continues to grow, the country’s healthcare landscape is also shifting. It’s a time of great challenge and opportunity as we continue to find new ways of working together and creating better outcomes for those in need. In this episode, Donna discusses this issue with guest Dr. Jane Philpott, the Dean of Medicine at…

1
Easing the process of moving into long-term care | Deborah Bakti 33:29

3+ y ago33:29

33:29

The transition to a long-term care setting can bring up a range of emotions for both a new resident and their care partners. The transition can produce feelings of anxiety and fear in seniors and is often the source of tremendous guilt and uncertainty for family members. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Deborah Bakti, a senior…

1
Technology and the seniors’ care industry | William Charnetski 33:07

3+ y ago33:07

33:07

As the needs of seniors grow increasingly complex with time, technology will need to keep up the pace. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with William Charnetski, PointClickCare’s Executive Vice President of Health Systems Solutions and Government Affairs. During this episode, they discuss some of the current system challenges in sen…

1
The evolution of seniors’ healthcare | Dr. Nathan Stall 35:40

3+ y ago35:40

35:40

As the number of seniors in Canada continues growing exponentially, the continuum of care will need to expand to keep up. Our healthcare infrastructure, policies and long-term care system will need to evolve in response to the rise in demand for services and quality care. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Dr. Nathan Stall, a ge…

1
Meeting the needs of a growing demographic | Laura Tamblyn Watts 32:00

3+ y ago32:00

32:00

By 2030, Canada will be home to 9.5 million seniors, making up 23 percent of all Canadians. With the baby boom generation aging, the challenge of providing adequate seniors’ care in the future looms. Are we ready? In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Laura Tamblyn Watts, the President and CEO of CanAge, Canada’s national advocacy …

1
Unforgettable Ian: A long term care story | Dr. Rhonda Collins 51:28

3+ y ago51:28

51:28

More than two-thirds of the long-term care population in Canada is living with some form of dementia. Despite its prevalence, the disease still comes along with a strong stigma and many common misunderstandings. In this episode, Donna sits down with Dr. Rhonda Collins, the Chief Medical Officer at Revera, a company that owns and operates long-term …

1
COVID-19: The UK story | Vic Rayner OBE 49:48

3+ y ago49:48

49:48

Since the onset of the pandemic, the experience of the United Kingdom seniors’ care system paralleled Canada. In both countries, each challenge was met with new thinking – and solutions – to overcome them and protect our most vulnerable. So, what does that mean as we reimagine growing older, and the different types of supports required? In this epi…

1
Lessons in seniors’ care from Australia | Marcus Riley 50:39

3+ y ago50:39

50:39

Like Ontario, Australia has been grappling with long-standing systemic challenges in their seniors’ care system for decades. Australia is looking for innovative ways to reshape the system and improve care for its seniors, and there is much we can learn from each other as we work to make change on opposite ends of the world. In this episode of Comin…

1
Rethinking the options for seniors’ care | Dr. Bob Bell 36:13

3+ y ago36:13

36:13

As our senior population increases, there are a lot of questions around how we’re going to provide the care that the baby boom generation will need. Join OLTCA’s Donna Duncan in conversation with Dr. Bob Bell, former Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario, as they discuss what strategies can help to keep more seniors at home as they age, and why inc…

1
We are not alone: International Collaboration in Care | Katie Smith Sloan 33:31

4y ago33:31

33:31

What can Canada learn about long-term care from other parts of the world? In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna sits down with Katie Smith Sloan, the Executive Director of The Global Ageing Network, an international network of leaders in seniors’ care. Donna and Katie discuss how other areas of the world have adapted to growing senior populations…

1
A new perspective on long-term care | Lisa Raitt 36:14

4y ago36:14

36:14

Lisa Raitt is the former Canadian Minister of Labour, working under the Stephen Harper administration. After her husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, she made the decision to put him in a long-term care facility for the foreseeable future. In this episode of Coming of Age, Donna welcomes her to the show to discuss how she made her de…

1
Mental health in a pandemic | Adrienne Spafford 31:24

4y ago31:24

31:24

Mental health and long-term care are deeply interwoven and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this has never been more evident. In our second episode, Donna interviews Adrienne Spafford, the former Senior Director, Strategy & Public Affairs at OLTCA. Adrienne is now CEO of Addictions and Mental Health Ontario, and on today's episode, the two discuss the…

1
Happily Ever Older│Moira Welsh 33:04

4y ago33:04

33:04

It’s time for real change in long-term care. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the shortcomings that the system has felt for decades and now, the public is ready for change. In our first episode, Donna sits down with Moira Welsh to discuss the current state of Canadian long-term care and what can be done to create the best possible experience for s…

1
This is Coming of Age 1:32

4y ago1:32

1:32

By [email protected] (Ontario Long Term Care Association)

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