Innovation.
Some people have recognized the vast market the aging population represents. They're ahead of the curve. Whatever else you want to say about the profit motive, it sure can get things done. All the better when it’s couched in terms of respect for elders. Two giant sources of innovation:
Age Wave
Psychologist and gerontologist Ken Dychtwald was way ahead of the curve in recognizing the vast market potential of aging boomers' needs and desires. He founded Age Wave in 1986 in large part to help businesses prepare to serve and capitalize on the unprecedented population aging we're experiencing now. The Age Wave website is loaded with information for businesses and individuals.
The Longevity Network
Founded by AARP and United Health Care, the Longevity Network is “dedicated to giving investors and entrepreneurs the resources needed to create breakthrough products, experiences, and business models for health technologies benefiting the 50+ audience.” Can’t beat that.
MIT’s Age Lab
Founded and directed by Dr. Joseph Coughlin, whose book, The Longevity Economy, is like a jolt of electricity. The MIT AgeLab is a multidisciplinary research program that works with business, government, and NGOs to improve the quality of life of older people and those who care for them. The AgeLab applies what it calls "consumer-centered systems thinking" to understand the challenges and opportunities of longevity and to catalyze innovation across business markets.
Stanford Longevity Center
Stanford's Longevity Center is a major innovation driver rooted in real-world requirements for healthy aging: mental sharpness, physical fitness, and financial security. See the write-up here.
Age Wave
Psychologist and gerontologist Ken Dychtwald was way ahead of the curve in recognizing the vast market potential of aging boomers' needs and desires. He founded Age Wave in 1986 in large part to help businesses prepare to serve and capitalize on the unprecedented population aging we're experiencing now. The Age Wave website is loaded with information for businesses and individuals.
The Longevity Network
Founded by AARP and United Health Care, the Longevity Network is “dedicated to giving investors and entrepreneurs the resources needed to create breakthrough products, experiences, and business models for health technologies benefiting the 50+ audience.” Can’t beat that.
MIT’s Age Lab
Founded and directed by Dr. Joseph Coughlin, whose book, The Longevity Economy, is like a jolt of electricity. The MIT AgeLab is a multidisciplinary research program that works with business, government, and NGOs to improve the quality of life of older people and those who care for them. The AgeLab applies what it calls "consumer-centered systems thinking" to understand the challenges and opportunities of longevity and to catalyze innovation across business markets.
Stanford Longevity Center
Stanford's Longevity Center is a major innovation driver rooted in real-world requirements for healthy aging: mental sharpness, physical fitness, and financial security. See the write-up here.
