Toronto:Manulife has introduced an initiative aimed at tackling the challenges posed by Canada's ageing population. In April 2026, the company launched the Shaping Canada’s Longevity Advantage challenge in collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s UpLink and its Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems. This initiative seeks practical, integrated solutions to enhance health, financial resilience, purpose, and connection for Canadians as they age.
According to World Economic Forum, the challenge is designed to bring together innovators with expertise across various disciplines, including health, finance, technology, policy, and investment. The goal is to connect innovative ideas with the necessary support to move them towards widespread use. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Manulife, which has committed $350 million through to 2030, to bridge the gap between longevity and quality of life.
Three start-ups, Amical, MIMOSA Diagnostics, and Myant Health, exemplify the type of innovation being fostered. Amical offers a voice-based AI companion through a telephone to support cognitive engagement for those with Alzheimer’s and other disorders. MIMOSA Diagnostics has developed a portable imaging platform to assess tissue health and prevent pressure injuries. Myant Health integrates health monitoring into clothing, enabling continuous monitoring of various health signals.
These innovations demonstrate a shift towards integrating technology into daily life to support the health and well-being of ageing populations. The Manulife Longevity Institute aims to create a system that supports these innovations, ensuring they are accessible, equitable, and effective. The success of these efforts will be measured by how well they can improve the quality of life for older Canadians.
Source World Economic Forum
