In two weeks, the Optimize conference on aging and innovation will kick off in San Francisco with the opening session From Aging in Place to Thriving in Community. I am moderating that Aging2.0 panel and can’t wait to talk about my passion: housing and community.
I also am excited to hear their perspective from panelists:
- Chetan Parekh, Proctor & Gamble
- Ellie Hollander, Meals On Wheels America
- Alana Officer, World Health Organization
- Ulya Khan, Tivity Health
This year’s topics include: artificial intelligence and how it will impact aging and senior care; engagement and purpose through a variety of initiatives and settings; care coordination; caregiving; mobility and transportation; workplace and more.
And one of my fav speakers: Dr. Bill Thomas, the famed geriatrician who created the Eden Alternative and the Green House Project to transform nursing homes and is now onto a project (and vision) called Minka, a tiny house project for independent living.
I’m a regular Optimize attendee, meeting start-up entrepreneurs and established company execs in the aging space. From talking to exhibitors, speakers and attendees—there are 1,000 this year from 20 countries–I have found terrific story ideas.
Three last year were tech-related, spanning virtual reality, a product to augment sound about Hasbro’s Companion Cat and Dog for elders with dementia or who are just plain lonely. Another was about young entrepreneurs who move into assisted living or nursing homes to hone their products and ideas and learn about seniors.
Check back after the event for my observations, insights, and, of course, edification!
