North Islanders to Shape Future of Aging and Technology

Residents of North Island have a unique opportunity to influence research and innovation related to aging and technology through a new initiative launched by the **Aging Together Lab** at the **University of Victoria**. This project aims to engage older adults and their caregivers in the Strathcona, Comox Valley, and Mount Waddington districts, allowing them to co-create solutions that address real-life challenges.

Dr. **Claudia Lai**, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping policy and technological advancements. “Together, community members and researchers will co-create solutions that reflect real lives, real challenges, and real possibilities,” stated the lab in a recent press release. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating local insights into the development of tools and services that support aging populations.

The initiative, titled **Research Priorities: Aging and Technology That Matters Most**, will kick off with a survey aimed at gathering questions and concerns from North Island residents regarding aging and technology. The survey is set to launch on **September 1, 2023**, and will be accessible both online and in paper format. It is funded by the **Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research**.

Community Engagement and Advisory Groups

In preparation for this survey, a regional advisory group was established in November 2022. This group will guide the project’s activities and ensure that the voices of the community are heard. The research team is particularly focused on including **Indigenous** community members and newcomers, fostering relationships that encourage authentic participation in the survey process.

The press release highlighted the importance of listening to marginalized and vulnerable older adults, who are often overlooked in policy discussions. “The research team is also working to hear the voices of marginalized and vulnerable older adults often missed in policy development,” it stated, underscoring a commitment to inclusivity.

The project seeks to develop digital tools and services that cater specifically to elders living at home in rural and remote areas, enhancing service delivery in non-institutional settings throughout North Island.

Next Steps and Community Workshop

Once the survey results are compiled, a **Priority Setting Workshop** will take place on **October 16, 2023**, in **Campbell River**. Community members are invited to review the findings and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about aging and technology in their region.

This initiative not only aims to gather data but also aspires to create a framework where community voices lead the charge in addressing the complexities of aging in the modern world. Through collaboration, the **Aging Together Lab** is set to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults in North Island, ensuring that future programs and policies are grounded in the realities of the community.