Who we are
AGE Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the care of older adults through accessible, evidence-informed dementia-care education.
Leading with purpose 
in dementia care
AGE is dedicated to improving the care of older adults through dementia-care education.
We equip care providers with the skills and confidence to deliver person-centred care. All profits are reinvested to advance our social mission. Since 1997, we’ve grown from a small team known as the Continuing Gerontological Education Cooperative (CGEC) into a national leader in accessible, affordable, evidence-informed dementia-care education. Today, our programs support providers across Canada in caring with knowledge, confidence, and compassion.
550,000+
Care providers & students trained
1,700+
Certified coaches
OUR VISION
Inspiring evidence-informed, person-centered dementia education to advance health and behavioral care.
OUR MISSION
Advancing dementia care and health education through research, excellence, and collaboration to empower and prepare all care partners.
Our path to progress
- We began in 1997 as the Continuing Gerontological Education
Cooperative (CGEC), a small but committed team. - By 2010, we had incorporated as Advanced Gerontological Education Inc.
(AGE) — a national non-profit social enterprise with the fitting acronym, AGE. - Since then, we have continuously evolved to not only meet, but also enrich the changing educational needs of the gerontological community in Canada.
- Today, AGE Inc. stands as a leader in accessible, affordable, evidence-informed dementia-care education.
The growing challenge of dementia
Behind every number is a person, a family, and a story. These global and Canadian statistics show the growing impact of dementia and why education and support for care providers is more important than ever.
GLOBAL
- Dementia is the most common type of neurodegenerative disorder.
- More than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, with 10+ million new cases diagnosed each year.
Canada’s Aging Population
- By 2026, the number of seniors will be more than double the 2009 figure, reaching 9.9–10.9 million.
- By 2036, that number is projected to reach 11.9–15 million, representing nearly one in four Canadians.
- Today, the population aged 65+ already surpasses children under 14 — a first in Canadian history, bringing dramatic new healthcare challenges.
Canada’s Dementia Outlook
- 596,000 Canadians lived with dementia in 2020; this will rise to 955,900 by 2030.
- 61.8% of those living with dementia are women.
- 1 in 5 Canadians has experience caring for someone with dementia.
- Dementia costs the Canadian economy and healthcare system $10.4 billion annually.
Why dementia-care education matters
Care partners supporting people living with dementia require evidence-informed approaches for responsive behaviours. Without education on these approaches, care partners can feel unprepared, helpless, vulnerable, and at risk of injury. GPA programs enhance care partners’ knowledge and confidence in person-centred, emotion-focused care strategies, ensuring dignity, respect, and safety for older adults living with dementia.
What makes AGE Inc. unique
Our programs are evidence-based and modelled on best practice, giving care providers lasting confidence to deliver person-centred care.
Beyond training, we are recognized nationally for excellence and innovation in dementia-care education. Our commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement has positioned AGE Inc. as a trusted leader in the field.
Service Awards for Geriatric Excellence – recognition of our impact nationwide.
Collaboration across roles
We collaborate nationwide and train people at every level of care:
- Registered staff
- Personal support workers
- Housekeeprs
- Volunteers
- Students
- Environmental Services
- Dietary Services
Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA)
Everyone working with older adults is a candidate for GPA training. Through GPA, staff:
- Recognize each person with dementia as unique
- Understand the link between disease and behaviours
- Learn practical strategies they can use immediately
Protecting and supporting care providers
Care providers often face challenging and even unsafe situations in dementia care. Our programs address both the well-being of staff and the quality of patient-centred care, ensuring safety, resilience, and confidence on the job.
Violence in care: 43%
Nearly half of point-of-care workers in dementia care report experiencing physical violence on a daily basis, highlighting the urgent need for improved training and protective strategies.
Distress Levels: 5x higher
Care provider distress is five times greater when supporting seniors with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, underscoring the importance of equipping staff with practical, evidence-based approaches.
Hands-on training
Through GPA, participants practice self-protection techniques in real scenarios, ensuring they leave training with skills that can be applied immediately in their care settings.
Looking Ahead