Five intriguing vendors from the 2009 Boomer Venture Summit

Just wrapped up a fascinating day at the Boomer Venture Summit at Santa Clara University.  High point for me was listening to the top guru of the age-related media world, Ken Dychtwald -- who sees our future as a series of life cycle changes that marketers have yet to understand and correctly target -- not the least of which is the 'tipping point' of retirement (Huffington Post).

Jody Holtzman, AARP, Peter Ziebelman, Palo Alto Venture Partners, Steve Jurvetson, Managing Director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, joined me as keynoters at the event. And a gaggle of illustrious execs and VCs judged the presentations of finalists for the prize for best business plan and best elevator pitch. There were startups with surgical and medical innovations that are out of scope for my blog, so I will just focus on five interesting entrants that matter to boomers and seniors:

1. Audiallo. Not launched. The mission is to: "improve the lives of the hearing impaired through biologically-inspired smart engineering of audio-processing integrated circuits." These Georgia Tech connected folks have already won numerous business plan competitions and seem on the road to development. If the product gets to market based on the demo, our future with hearing aids will be a lot clearer. ;)

2. LarsonShoresArchitectsInc.  Not launched. "The Inspired In-law Kit is a solution for boomers seeking to accommodate their aging parents in their current home. This concept will bring together universal design, green building products, financial feasibility, and local builders to create a multigenerational housing solution." 

3. Life At Home Longer. Already launched. Life At Home Longer enables older adults to live in their homes as they age by providing families with complete solutions for senior-friendly technology, home modification, maintenance, and lifestyle conveniences. Learn more at http://www.lifeathomelonger.com/.

4. The Senior List. Already launched. Similar to Angie's List, this is a consumer opinion portal focused on senior-services sector, including professional care, senior housing, legal, geriatric care managers. Learn more at https://www.theseniorlist.com/.

5. Traveling4Health. Already launched. In the category of Medical Tourism, but including "focuses on medical news, health analysis and information relative to foreign doctors, traveling for health and the benefits of living abroad, including dental and medical services available in Mexico, India, and many other countries." Learn more at Traveling4Health.com.