AGE-WELL is Canada’s technology and ageing network. Deniz describes her experience at the AGE-WELL 2025 conference in Montreal, Canada. Please describe the event you attended.Based in Canada, AGE-WELL is a network on technology and ageing research comprising a community of researchers, older people, caregivers, and other stakeholders. In October 2025, I had the opportunity to attend their 10th Annual Conference, held under the theme Collaborate – Innovate – Elevate. The event brought together researchers, industry partners, care providers, policymakers, and community members to highlight and elaborate on research and innovations that support the wellbeing and independence of older individuals.The programme featured panel discussions and talks on topics such as AI and ethics, technology development in ageing research, and the value of collaboration and partnership. In addition, there was a dedicated workshop for PhD students and other early career researchers that focused on bridging the research with commercial impact, as well as a vibrant poster session showcasing ongoing projects and innovations. What drew you to attend this event?I was particularly drawn to attend this conference because it offered the chance to experience the environment of a research network in another country, working on topics closely related to my own. As my research focuses on user-centred technology in supporting the wellbeing and independence of older people, I was keen to see how researchers and organisations in another context approaches similar questions around technology and ageing through their research culture. I was also interested in learning how such a large and interdisciplinary network fosters collaboration between academia and industry within their context. The event would also allow me to connect with researchers working on related topics, potentially laying the groundwork for future international collaborations. Montreal How was your experience attending the event? What were the highlights and key moments?I am so happy and grateful to have been able to make this trip! Attending this conference was an incredibly enriching experience, and I feel that I grew significantly as a researcher. I think one of the most encouraging aspects was seeing the examples of available technology solutions that were actually initiated as PhD projects. This motivates me a lot to think about the potential impact of my own work.I also presented a poster during the conference, and what I found particularly rewarding was being able to engage with viewers from all life stages. In fact, I had the opportunity to talk with members of the public, and I was thrilled to be able to explain my work to them, especially since I was also in another country. It was truly amazing to see their genuine interest in my work. In the same spirit, what I think I will remember most are the dialogues I had with other attendees, all of whom came from diverse career stages and backgrounds. Inside the main conference room How was this event relevant to your research, interdisciplinarity and the ACRC Academy?Underlining the ageing and technology, the conference was highly relevant to my research, and indeed to the interdisciplinary and collaborative focus of the ACRC Academy. My work explores how technology can support the wellbeing and independence of older people, and the conference provided valuable examples and insights into how similar questions are being approached across multiple disciplines in a collaborative and user-centred way. The event also reflected the ACRC Academy’s values on network development, innovation and public engagement, and it demonstrated how stakeholder partnerships can drive innovation in ageing research Admiring the autumn leaves Colourful Montreal Any lessons learnt / best practices that you’d like to share?As my research focuses on care homes, particularly inspiring talk for me explored a care home study that came from a broader initiative focused on AI-driven innovations designed to improve safety and quality of life across care settings. The presentation highlighted several crucial factors influencing the success of such innovations: the environment, including long-term care regulations and organisational context; the technology, in terms of ease of usability and troubleshooting; and, the people, including residents, caregivers, visitors, and other staff. This presentation was beneficial in reminding that the success of technological interventions depends not only on their technical qualities but also on how well they fit within the lived realities that shape care environments. Publication date 01 May, 2026
