ICOPE Québec on CBC: Dr. Gustavo Duque discusses early action for healthy ageing
ANNOUNCEMENT
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September 30, 2026
In an interview aired on CBC Radio’s All in a Weekend on September 27, 2026, Dr. Gustavo Duque explained how ICOPE Québec helps older adults identify changes in their capacities and find practical guidance. The conversation explored what happens after screening, the role of community support and the work ahead to evaluate the program in Québec.
For Dr. Gustavo Duque, one of the challenges of healthy ageing is recognizing changes before they become harder to manage. In his CBC interview, the Director of Geriatric Medicine at McGill University and Scientific Director of ICOPE Québec described how screening can help older adults take that first step.
Developed by the World Health Organization and adapted to Québec’s context by Schouela CEDurable, ICOPE brings prevention and personalized support into a practical pathway. The interview focused on how that approach can work in everyday life.
Recognizing changes and acting early
ICOPE Québec reviews six capacities linked to autonomy: mobility, cognition, psychological well-being, vision, hearing and nutrition. Looking at these capacities can help identify areas that deserve closer attention, including when a person has not yet sought help.
“There are ways to identify those deficits early on and then act accordingly,” Dr. Duque said. He emphasized finding an appropriate response rather than bypassing the healthcare system.
The aim is to help people understand where support may be useful. Depending on the findings, that may involve practical recommendations, a community resource or a consultation with a healthcare professional.
From screening to practical recommendations
The online screening is available to adults aged 65 and older. Its first stage takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and includes questions and a brief physical test. Participants receive general prevention recommendations and an automated report by email. A second, more detailed stage is offered only when one or more capacities require further assessment.
In the interview, Dr. Duque used mobility as an example. When screening identifies a difficulty, a closer assessment helps clarify the problem and guide the recommendations. He described how identifying nearby exercise programs can connect a person’s needs with resources in their community.
Participants can save their report and share it with a healthcare professional. Screening does not establish a medical diagnosis or replace medical advice. Physical tests should not be attempted if the person does not feel safe performing them.
Support from people in the community
Dr. Duque also described developing collaborations with community organizations. People who regularly visit older adults at home can help them access the application and understand how to complete the forms, without changing their answers.
This support matters for people who are less comfortable with digital tools. ICOPE Québec can be completed independently or with help from a caregiver, family member, friend or health professional. The participant’s own responses remain central to the process.
A target of 10,000 participants over two years
At the time of the interview, Dr. Duque described encouraging early interest in the program, explaining that “our target is 10,000 people in the next two years.” He also made clear that the program’s effectiveness in Québec still needed to be evaluated as participation grows.
Dr. Duque also described the aim of using existing resources more appropriately by identifying which kinds of support a person needs. Rather than seeking every type of intervention at once, participants could be guided towards services relevant to their situation.
Listen to the interview and learn more
The full conversation is available in English on CBC Radio’s All in a Weekend. To explore the screening process, visit the ICOPE Québec information page before beginning your assessment.
Listen to the interview on CBC
Learn about ICOPE Québec screening
