The Age of AgeTech
Description
The Age of AgeTech: Essays to Inspire, Change, and Challenge explores technology's role in addressing the challenges and opportunities of aging, one of the most profound demographic shifts of the 21st Century that has shaped economies, healthcare systems, and social structures worldwide. This book of essays explores the evolving field of AgeTech and its core role in shaping the future of aging. It critically examines the funding landscape for aging research, the integration of AI and robotics in elder care, digital inclusion efforts, and the ethical implications of innovation in AgeTech. The book draws from the author's personal experience and research expertise, presenting a compelling call to action for interdisciplinary collaboration and investment in transformative solutions. Designed for researchers, professionals, policymakers, and students, the book provides an accessible yet thought-provoking perspective on how technology can enhance the lives of older adults while addressing systemic challenges in healthcare and aging services. These essays provide a roadmap for those committed to shaping a future where technology enhances aging with dignity, independence, and equity.
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Alex Mihailidis, PhD, PEng, FCAHS, is a Professor at the University of Toronto (U of T) and the Inaugural Scientific Director of AGE-WELL, Canada's national network on technology and aging. He also serves as the Associate Vice-President for International Partnerships at U of T. With over 20 years of experience, Alex's research bridges health sciences, engineering, and social policy to create technologies that support older adults and caregivers. He has published extensively and leads national and international initiatives focused on aging with dignity.
His work is driven by the belief that technology should enhance-not replace-human care. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and RESNA, and in 2022 was named one of the United Nations' Healthy Ageing 50 global leaders. In 2025, he was named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French Republic in recognition of his contributions to international academic collaboration and education.
Beyond his academic and leadership roles, Alex is a committed mentor and collaborator. The ideas in this book are informed by years of dialogue with students, colleagues, older adults, and his own experiences as a caregiver. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two children, who continue to inspire his work and remind him why building a more compassionate future for aging matters.
Content
ESSAY 1: Why Did I Write These Essays? More Importantly, Why Should You Read Them?.- ESSAY 2: If You're Not Aging, You're Dead.- ESSAY 3: Addressing the Imbalance: The Urgent Need for Increased Funding in Aging Research.- ESSAY 4: Investment in AgeTech.- ESSAY 5: Public and Private Funding in Aging Research and Services: A Collaborative Imperative.- ESSAY 6: Sustainable Funding for Aging Services: Securing the Future of Elder Care.- ESSAY 7: Why AgeTech Matters: Transforming the Future of Aging.- ESSAY 8: The Rise of AgeTech: Key Innovations, Assistive Devices, and Smart Home Solutions.- ESSAY 9: Digital Inclusion for Seniors: Bridging the Digital Divide and Designing User-Friendly Technologies.- ESSAY 10: AI and Robotics in Elder Care: Companions and Caregivers.- ESSAY 11: Ethical Considerations in AgeTech: Privacy, Security, and Balancing Automation with Human Touch.- ESSAY 12: Is Scientific Peer Review Killing Innovation in AgeTech Solutions for Older Adults?.- ESSAY 13: Conducting Research in AgeTech: Paradigms, Approaches, and Challenge.- ESSAY 14: Why I Got Into the AgeTech Field: A Personal Journey.- ESSAY 15: Should I Go Into a Career in AgeTech?.- ESSAY 16: The Future of AgeTech: Bridging Science Fiction and Reality.- ESSAY 17: Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Bridging Gaps to Advance AgeTech Innovation.- ESSAY 18: Global Perspectives: Cultural Considerations in AgeTech.- ESSAY 19: Education and Training for the Next Generation of AgeTech Professionals.- ESSAY 20: Will We Ever See Anything Novel Again in AgeTech?.- Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Incrementalism in AgeTech.