Canadian studio helps older adults age at home
- May 14, 2025
- Steve Rogerson

An innovation studio in Toronto is developing aging-in-place technology to help older adults stay in their own homes.
Age-Well, Canada’s technology and aging network, has launched the immersive space in partnership with the University of Toronto, Ikea and start-ups.
Most older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age, and technology is key to making this a reality. The space in downtown Toronto is demonstrating how innovations can support independent living and healthy aging.
Modelled after a typical one-bedroom apartment, the studio integrates smart-home systems, health monitoring devices, voice integrated personal aides and other technologies to show how they can seamlessly support daily activities and health needs.
Features include a smart stove safety device that alerts users or caregivers if the stove is left unattended; a sleep tracker that can detect vital signs and sense when someone gets out of bed, helping monitor sleep patterns and safety; and an exergame that promotes physical and cognitive health by pairing cycling with scenic videos.
More than a demonstration space, the studio serves as a hub for innovation, connecting start-ups, larger companies, researchers, senior living and home care organisations, older adults, caregivers, investors, and other partners.
“By providing a platform for companies to showcase brilliant products and connect with key stakeholders, the Age-Well innovation studio will speed up the adoption of age-tech innovations that benefit older adults and their caregivers,” said Bridgette Murphy, acting CEO at Age-Well. “It’s all about getting these essentials into people’s hands.”
The studio also enables practical testing of age technology in a realistic environment, allowing researchers and developers to collect user feedback and refine their products.
“The real-life setting is crucial, as is direct engagement with older adults and caregivers,” said Murphy. “Technologies and services must align with the needs and priorities of the people who will actually use them.”
The studio was created by Age-Well with support from the University of Toronto and in partnership with Ikea in Toronto, which provided the furniture, and Age-Well start-ups.

“This important addition to Canada’s innovation landscape provides a much-needed space to exhibit advanced technologies and prototypes that support healthy aging,” said Chris Yip, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto (www.engineering.utoronto.ca). “It offers a valuable platform for University of Toronto researchers and entrepreneurs − as well as innovators from across Canada and beyond − to exhibit their innovations and connect with partners who can help bring them to the people who need them most.”
For Paul Lea, an older adult living with vascular dementia, technology has already made a meaningful difference in his daily life.
“Smart-home devices have given me a sense of security and independence,” he said. “I can control my lights with my voice. My door locks automatically if I forget to lock it. I have an app that reminds me when it’s time to take my medications. I’m glad there’s a place like the Age-Well innovation studio that shows how technology can support older people to live safely and independently at home.”
The studio (agewell-nce.ca/innovation-studio) will also function as an educational space, offering training sessions for students, caregivers and professionals in the field of aging and technology.
“Our ultimate goal is to enable older adults to live independently for longer and enhance their quality of life while fostering collaboration between researchers, companies and the community,” said Alex Mihailidis, academic director at Age-Well (www.agewell-nce.ca). “Age-Well has long been a convener in the age-tech sector, bringing everyone together to drive innovation. Now, we have a physical space where innovators can showcase directly to potential users, accelerating the uptake of existing technologies and advancing new innovations.”
With one in four Canadians expected to be over 65 by 2035, the need for technology is more urgent than ever. According to a 2019 poll, more than eight in ten Canadians over the age of 65 believe technological advances can help older adults stay safe, in their own homes longer and stay independent.
“Age-Well is thrilled to collaborate on this exciting initiative with partners who share our mission to accelerate the delivery of technology that supports healthy aging,” said Murphy. “Technology can never replace the human touch, but it is a powerful tool that can help older adults lead healthy, independent and engaged lives.”