The innovation competition season has begun. The What's Next Longevity Venture Summit is over and the Aging 2.0 Global Innovation Search voting process has begun. These are two substantial initiatives that often reveal interesting and useful companies to help with aging well and to mitigate various issues of aging and caregiving. Note that these five companies, selected from these two conference initiatives,are early stage (or even really early stage) and are included here because they may have concepts, offerings or approaches that are worth noting and thinking about. A link to the websites for more information is included. Please comment if you know of other competitions and offerings than those mentioned here.
Musical Health Technologies Wins LeadingAge California Innovation Award with a Decades-Before-Its Time Idea, Enabling the Mass Distribution of Music as Medicine
Music has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.* The unique Lyric Coaching technology embedded in all SingFit solutions was first conceptualized by an inventor and opera singer in 1960, more than 50 years before it was commercialized.
That was then… In early 2020, focus sharpened on market categories of aging and caregiving. AARP published a new report that showed growing interest in technology among those aged 70+. The 127,000 CES 2020 attendees in January saw exhibit areas and innovations focused on older adults and what they need. Cambia Health released a survey of caregivers, 64% of surveyed caregivers use at least one digital tool to help them with caregiving. The National Alliance for Caregiving surveyed caregivers including their use of technology (surprisingly low), and Samsung, Best Buy and Amazon now group offerings that could be helpful for older adults and those who care for them.
In a curious turn of events, my wife and I unintentionally became entrepreneurs at the age of 70. I am a semi-retired real estate developer, and my wife is a painter.
JACKSONVILLE — The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to partner with the state of Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs to keep seniors connected with loved ones during social isolation.
Through Project: VITAL (Virtual Inclusion Technology for All), senior-friendly tablets from engagement technology provider iN2L have been distributed to nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) throughout the state.
