Tom McDonald, 68, has lived in various\u00a0Ottawa neighbourhoods\u00a0for 40 years.\u00a0He refers to his\u00a0apartment in Heron Park as\u00a0“Tom’s Museum of Cultural Paraphernalia”\u00a0— a name that makes sense after seeing his\u00a0many collections: books, antique razorblades, plastic sports trophies, and even an old pump organ. Tom has spent his life finding outlets for his creativity,\u00a0such as writing short stories\u00a0and playing\u00a0musical instruments. But as his\u00a0Parkinson’s disease worsens, pursuing these passions is becoming a challenge.<\/p>\n
Fortunately for people like Tom, researchers from AGE-WELL, the Bruy\u00e9re Research Institute and Carleton University are developing technology to help senior citizens live at home longer. Bruce Wallace — a\u00a0key\u00a0member of the joint initiative — explains how a research\u00a0lab that’s also\u00a0a fully functioning\u00a0apartment is helping to\u00a0preserve the independence of senior citizens, and could also help those with Parkinson’s maintain an active life.<\/p>\n
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