Fondation Miroir Foundation

08/19/2026

What if we changed the questions we ask about aging?

Instead of asking, “How can I stay young?”, what if we asked, “How do I want to grow older?”

This is one of the ideas behind The Atlantic’s “How to Age Up”, a series that looks beyond the science of aging to explore how we understand aging culturally and how we might approach it differently. The series ask listeners to reflect on three simple questions: What aspects of aging make you nervous? What are you looking forward to? And Who do you hope to be like when you are older?

At the Miroir Foundation, we see connection as an essential part of that picture. A fulfilling later life is not something anyone should navigate alone. The people we know, the communities we participate in, and the opportunities we have to feel valued all shape how we experience aging.

So, let’s turn the conversation toward the future:

What are you looking forward to about growing older?
Who has shown you that aging can be something to look forward to?
And what would a more connected experience of aging look like in your community?

Interested in supporting our work? Click this link to learn how you can become involved: https://www.fondationmiroirfoundation.ca/

08/17/2026

We are looking for a secretary for our Board of Directors at the Miroir Foundation. If you are interested, please submit your applications by August 18th.

Nous cherchons un-e secrétaire le notre conseil d'administration de la Fondation Miroir. Soumettez vos candidatures d'ici le 18 août.

The link can be found below:

ENGLISH TO FOLLOW Vous avez — ou connaissez une personne ayant — de l’expérience en gouvernance, en politiques, en droit, en conformité ou en administratio

08/12/2026

Today is , and we wanted to share a story about what happens when tomorrow’s leaders and today’s older adults spend real time together.

At The Brenda Strafford Foundation , students from the University of Calgary and Calgary French and International School take part in the ‘Opening Minds through Art’ program: an art-focused program for older adults living with dementia. Every week they sit down and make art using simple, everyday materials: sponges, marbles and plastic cutlery.

In past surveys, 90% of participants reported an improved mood after just six sessions. Several students have stayed in touch with the seniors they worked with long after their eight weeks are wrapped up.

One resident told the program: “I look forward to seeing my partner weekly! She makes me feel like an artist!”

Loneliness and social isolation are two of the biggest health risks older adults face today. This program is one small, practical piece in addressing this issue, and it is a program that we are proud to have supported.

To learn more about the amazing programs funded by the Miroir Foundation and the ‘Opening Minds through Art’ program: https://www.fondationmiroirfoundation.ca/

08/05/2026

Have you recently taken a look at a population pyramid? It’s a simple little chart, but it says a lot. Canada’s has changed shape more than most people realize.

On the newest episode of Statistics Canada’s Eh Sayers podcast, host Max Zimmerman talks with demographer Patrick Charbonneau about why our country is aging, and what that looks like for families.

A few things worth sharing:

Millennials recently passed baby boomers as Canada’s largest generation. But, boomers were such a large generation to begin with that their impact is still shaping housing, healthcare, and other things that impact us today.

As of 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province where more than a quarter of the population is 65 or older.

More people than ever are part of the “sandwich generation”. This is the generation in-between that is raising kids and looking after aging parents at the same time. Charbonneau even points out that plenty of people in their 60’s and 70’s are still caring for their own elderly parents while also helping raise grandchildren.

What we at the Miroir Foundation liked most in this podcast is that the conversation doesn’t treat aging as only a burden. Charbonneau is clear that older adults give a lot back through volunteering, childcare, and just being there for their families. That’s a lot of what we’re about at the Miroir Foundation.

The full episode is worth 25 minutes of your time: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/sc/podcasts/eh-sayers-ep32

To learn more about the Miroir Foundation: https://www.fondationmiroirfoundation.ca/

07/29/2026

Communication is one of those things we take for granted, until it’s not there anymore.

In a recent episode of Stronger Together, host Peter Snow speaks with our very own Dr. Linda Garcia , president of the Miroir Foundation, about aphasia and communication disorders in older adults, and how they can lead to loneliness on the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health podcast.

Linda had spent her career studying aging, dementia, and social connections. In this podcast, her perspective on how communication challenges can quietly cut people off from their friends, family and community as we age is one that families and caregivers will want to hear.

At the Miroir Foundation, this is exactly the kind of conversation we want more people to have. Loneliness in older adults doesn’t always look obvious from the outside, and understanding its roots is the first step to addressing it.

🎧 To listen to the full episode: https://rss.com/podcasts/stronger-together-supporting-social-health-in-aging/2925987/

We invite you to learn more about the work of the Miroir Foundation referenced in Dr. Garcia’s comments: https://www.fondationmiroirfoundation.ca/

07/22/2026

🧠 World Brain Day: Supporting Brain Health Through Connection

On , we celebrate the importance of maintaining brain health throughout our lives.

While many factors contribute to cognitive well-being, like including physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and lifelong learning, social connection also plays a vital role.

Research has shown that loneliness can negatively impact both mental and physical health, while meaningful social relationships can help support emotional well-being, cognitive engagement, and overall quality of life.

And when you think of brain health, which is your priority? Pursuing meaningful hobbies? Staying active? Maintaining an engaged social network? We hope you answered: “All three!”

At the Miroir Foundation, we support programs that touch all three of these areas. Take a look at some of the programs that we are pleased to have played a small role in making happen: https://www.fondationmiroirfoundation.ca/creator.

07/15/2026

We are pleased to introduce Alexandra Cline, who has joined our Board of Directors as Director of Systems, Data, and Impact Insights.

Alexandra is passionate about bringing joy to others, solving meaningful problems, and living a life grounded in purpose. She believes that service is one of the most powerful ways to create positive change and strengthen communities.

As our Foundation continues to advance initiatives that reduce chronic loneliness and foster meaningful social connection among older adults, Alexandra's expertise in systems, data, and impact measurement will help strengthen our ability to understand and expand our impact.

Read more about what makes Alexandra a wonderful new addition to furthering the Miroir Foundation’s work.

Please join us in welcoming Alexandra Cline to the Miroir Foundation’s Board of Directors.

07/11/2026

🌍 World Population Day: Aging populations and the global loneliness challenge

The team at Miroir Foundation is pleased to participate in raising awareness about the trends in global populations shifts. World Population Day highlights one of the most significant global trends of our time: population aging.

According to the United Nations, by 2050, 1 in 6 people globally will be aged 65 or older, nearly double the proportion seen today.

At the same time, the World Health Organization has identified chronic loneliness as a growing global public health concern, associated with increased risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and premature mortality.

As societies age, one of the most pressing questions is not just how long people live, but how connected they remain throughout their lives.

Urbanization, smaller household sizes, digital communication replacing in-person interaction, and demographic shifts are all contributing to increased social fragmentation in many parts of the world.

This World Population Day, remember that demographic change is not only about numbers. It is about relationships, communities, and connection. This year’s theme for World Population Day is "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people. Today and for the future." This theme focused on youth allows us to reflect and think of the older adults in our lives and in our communities. What were their hopes and aspirations for the future when they were young? What a great starting point for a conversation with an older adult in your life this week!

07/01/2026

🍁 What can we do for older adults this Canada Day? 🍁

Canada Day is a time to celebrate community, connection, and belonging. It's also a meaningful opportunity to remember those who may be spending the day alone.

For many older adults, social isolation and loneliness can be especially difficult during holidays and celebrations. A simple act of kindness can have a lasting impact.

This Canada Day, consider:

• Calling an older family member or friend
• Visiting a neighbor or loved one
• Inviting an older adult to join your gathering
• Sharing a meal, conversation, or walk
• Taking time to listen and connect

These moments may seem small, but they can help someone feel seen, valued, and included.

As we celebrate our country, let's also celebrate the people who helped build the communities we enjoy today.

How will you help create connection this Canada Day?

🍁 Happy Canada Day from all of us at Fondation Miroir Foundation.