Resources to Usher Elders into the Triple Digit Club

The recent White House Conference on Aging confirms how the silver tsunami is changing healthcare, housing and technology across the globe, with no fewer than five technology announcements, the most impressive of which may be the mobile-friendly, easy to understand Aging.gov. Administered through the Department of Health and Human Services, Aging.gov is a one-stop resource providing older adults, their families, friends and caregivers information to help seniors live fulfilling, independent lives.

The Housing Issues segment contains a link to HUD’s portal for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, so your prospects and clients are assured accurate information. The same housing section contains links to mortgage relief scams via the Federal Trade Commission, and important information about housing and disabilities. Because the new site is designed with seniors in mind, it’s easy to navigate and the language is clear and simple, a boon for both seniors and their loved ones.

One major companion feature is the Aging Well Hub, a unique collaborative research and development initiative aimed at delivering innovative, connected solutions and services for aging well across the continuum of care. Its goals are to drive open innovation in the aging journey, share thought leadership to foster transformation, and promote a positive image of aging.

The Hub’s initial collaborators form an impressive cross-disciplinary roster that includes Georgetown University’s Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI); MIT’s AgeLab (which we profiled in this post on Gerontechnology); Netherlands-based Philips, a diversified health tech company; the American Architectural Foundation; ReACT (Respect A Caregiver’s Time), an employer-focused coalition dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by employee caregivers; real estate developer Smart Living 360, and non-profit eHealth Initiative, whose goal is to drive improvements in the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare through information and information technology — representing all of the stakeholders in the healthcare industry.

Another tech announcement is Uber’s move into Driving Miss Daisy. While robocars are one option for seniors who ought to relinquish the keys for their own safety — or who prefer not to drive, especially after dark — UberAssist could be an even better option. The ride company is expanding into the senior space with pilot programs in Florida, Texas, Ohio, Arizona and California that will partner with senior community centers and other advocates to provide free technology tutorials and free or discounted rides to older Americans. For the digitally savvy silver set, it’s a double boon.

Then again, driving may be a longevity key, at least if an elder used to drive a school bus like Zilpha Nowlin, a member of the triple-digit club who still swims daily at 101. One trait centenarians seem to share is an indomitable spirit: retired psychologist Donald Smitherman used to play tennis, but after he lost sight in one eye, he took up golf, “which is a lot more relaxing.” All the centenarians remain active, engaged with life and upbeat, three of the main ingredients for cooking on all burners at every age.

 
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