EMBRACING THe future of gerontology and age tech
Gerontology is finally getting its moment in the spotlight. I often hear from students who love working with older adults but hesitate to pursue careers in gerontology because, for many years, it wasn’t seen as “cool.” Fortunately, the tide is turning, and brilliant young minds are starting to embrace this essential field. The future of gerontology is bright, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.
My journey into gerontology began early in life. At just eight years old, I started volunteering in nursing homes and adult day centers. “I’ve always loved being around older people – their wisdom, their faces, their hands. I felt very comfortable around older generations,” I shared. My mom encouraged me to get involved with the senior community to fill the gap of living far away from my grandparents. That early exposure ignited a passion that would shape my career.
In college, it was a “no-brainer” to declare gerontology as my major. The study of aging became my life’s work, encompassing everything from humanities and policy to public health and ageism. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found it fascinating to understand how societal influences shape our views on aging, particularly as we move through different life stages.
Today, much of my work focuses on helping businesses and organizations, particularly in media and advertising, understand the aging population. I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for companies to communicate aging in a positive and productive way, moving away from harmful stereotypes that perpetuate ageism. Through strategic collaboration, we can create products and policies that genuinely serve older adults and meet their needs.
A deeply personal experience further shaped my journey when my father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. This life-changing event led me to share my story in a TEDx talk. “That TEDx talk was very personal for me because it was about my experience with my dad and how it changed our relationship and family dynamics. So many people have reached out to say how much they appreciated the honesty about the challenges I faced, even as a professional gerontologist.” The impact of dementia is profound, and there are still stigmas that hinder early diagnosis and necessary treatment. Until there’s a cure, breaking down these stigmas is critical to improving the lives of those living with dementia and their caregivers.
One of the most exciting areas of gerontology is the intersection of aging and technology, commonly referred to as AgeTech. Our society has a fast-growing senior population with unique challenges that require innovative solutions. Ageism remains a significant issue in the corporate world, and it’s crucial to address this through technology that truly serves older adults.
I often hear from business groups wondering if gerontology is cool yet. What excites me is showing them how serving seniors is not just cool but necessary. Older adults are turning to technology in record numbers, from personal devices to online banking, and they wield significant spending power. AgeTech companies must design with accessibility in mind, considering vision changes, dexterity, and preferences unique to the aging population.
Some of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on involve AgeTech solutions. Early in my career, I was honored to work with Age Wave, a leading think tank for aging innovation. Since then, I’ve consulted on everything from fall detection devices to virtual reality solutions that enhance the lives of homebound seniors. Knowing that my work is helping improve the quality of life for older adults is what keeps me motivated.
There is still a significant gap between innovation and the market in AgeTech, but it’s an exciting time as more investors recognize the value of this space. To close the gap, it’s essential to educate the market and investors about the diverse needs of the aging population. It’s not enough to define the audience broadly as “family caregivers or people over 65.” Companies need to understand the complexities and nuances of the aging demographic to create truly impactful products and services.
To those working in AgeTech or looking to enter the field, here are two pieces of advice:
1. Avoid relying solely on senior living communities for your go-to-market strategy. These communities serve just 10% of the aging population, and many older adults either need different types of support or prefer to live independently.
2. Engage with the experts who have come before you. Too many conversations in AgeTech rehash discussions that have been going on for decades. Collaboration with experienced gerontologists and aging specialists can unlock new insights and accelerate innovation.
The future of AgeTech is incredibly promising, but it requires collaboration and a commitment to creating solutions that genuinely serve older adults. Together, we can shape a future where gerontology is not just cool but essential for the well-being of all generations.
If you’d like to connect with me and continue the conversation.