Northern BC leads the way in aging with dignity

Northern and rural British Columbia are becoming hubs of innovation as seniors redefine what it means to age in place. While urban centers often receive the latest healthcare technology first, Dr. Shannon Freeman is ensuring rural communities are at the forefront of the conversation.

An Associate Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Shannon’s work focuses on self-empowerment for older adults, ensuring home remains a vibrant, dignified option for those staying in the communities they helped build.

To drive this vision forward, Shannon developed the Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN) with support from Health Research BC, AGE-WELL, UNBC and Northern Health. The centre invites researchers and innovators to step out of the lab and into the community, providing a space where their technologies can be safely tested and refined by the people who actually use them. By bridging the gap between innovation and the front lines of care, CTAAN enhances local services to meet the unique needs of Northern life.

Shannon’s approach is rooted in collaboration, learning directly from seniors with lived experience and partnering with health authorities and policymakers to build sustainable solutions. Her work is positioning the North as a leader in rural healthcare excellence.