[Report] Policy Options to Facilitate the Development and Use of Assistive Technologies Designed to Support Seniors to Live Healthy, Satisfying and Independent Lives

Canada’s rapidly growing and diverse older adult population is increasing the demand for accessible, affordable, and effective assistive technologies (AT) that support aging in place. AT (including mobility aids, hearing and vision supports, digital tools, smart-home systems, and emerging AI-enabled technologies) can significantly enhance independence, safety, wellbeing, and social participation for older adults. However, despite growing innovation in the AgeTech ecosystem (hardware or software solutions that are designed explicitly for or with the potential to provide benefit to older adults and their caregivers), access to AT in Canada remains fragmented and inequitable. This report examines current Canadian and international AT policies, barriers to access, and opportunities for coordinated action. It identifies policy options that could enable seniors and caregivers to benefit more fully from technological advancements that support healthy and independent aging.

Key findings

Evolving definitions and evaluation needs

AT are expanding beyond traditional mobility, hearing, and vision devices to include digital, sensor-based, cognitive-support, and AI-enabled tools that support independence, safety, and social participation. As definitions broaden, Canada lacks unified terminology, consistent data collection, and standardized evaluation frameworks. This creates challenges for measuring prevalence, understanding real-world impacts, and coordinating policy across jurisdictions.

Fragmented FPT policies and programs

AT funding in Canada is delivered through a patchwork of FPT programs with differing eligibility rules, coverage levels, and administrative processes. This fragmentation leads to inequitable access, complex navigation for seniors and caregivers, and inconsistent support across health, disability, aging, and accessibility systems. While innovation and infrastructure investments are growing, they are not yet supported by cohesive policy alignment.

International models offer useful policy design features

International jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and others embed AT within universal health or social-care frameworks, often using loan systems, refurbishment programs, and integrated assessment pathways. Although no single system is fully transferable to Canada, these models highlight design features (e.g., national entitlement frameworks, coordinated delivery, and sustainability mechanisms) that could inform Canadian approaches to improving equity, access, and system integration.

Persistent barriers affect equity and inclusion

Many older adults face affordability challenges, limited digital literacy, lack of awareness of AT options, and difficulties obtaining ongoing maintenance or support. Rural and remote populations, low-income people, culturally diverse communities, and people with disabilities encounter the most significant barriers. Stigma, usability issues, and policies that are difficult to navigate further inhibit uptake and long-term use, underscoring the need for person-centered, culturally relevant, and accessible approaches.

Innovation is strong but requires coordination and co-design

Canada’s AgeTech and assistive technology innovation ecosystem is vibrant, with advances in AI, smart-home technologies, digital health tools, and AT research networks. However, scaling these innovations requires stronger integration across care settings, co-design with older adults and caregivers, improved service and workforce capacity, and policy frameworks that support interoperability, evaluation, and real-world adoption. User-centered design and meaningful participation are essential to ensuring AT is effective, acceptable, and widely adopted.