Aging in America 2013: conference report

Now Available: Joop Koopman’s, report for Bayard Presse on the annual conference of the American Society on Aging, March 12-15th in Chicago.

Commentary on presentations by: Aging in Place Technology Watch’s Laurie Orlov, gerontologist Ken Dychtwald, Mary Furlong’s What’s Next Summit preceding ASA, AARP, Scott Collins of Link-age Connect, Caring.com and Louis Tenenbaum.

Technologies: Care Innovations, GrandCare Systems and Philips.

Communities: On Lok Lifeways, Avenidas (virtual).

“The reality remains startling: between 2010 and 2050 the US population of 65 and older will have doubled to close to 80M. There are 40M Americans over 65 today; already there are 5M people older than 85, half of whom are still at home and almost half of whom suffer from some form of dementia. Worldwide, 15 percent of the population is 65-plus—a figure that will increase exponentially. Nearly 40 percent of the developed world will be over 55 by 2050.”

System Comp TRANS HR03-13

… “Key players in the realm of software and hardware that are making Aging-in-Place a reality are, to name but a handful, are Philips’ Healthcare at Home (prominently present at ASA with a large display in the exhibit hall and through sponsorship of general sessions); CareInnovations, a partnership of General Electric and Intel—the partnership forged precisely because the Aging-in-Place market remains scattered and unfocused and thus hard to penetrate; and GrandCare Systems, whose VP of Business Development [Laura] Mitchell elaborated on a major deal with Saga in the UK, that country’s counterpart to AARP, for the sale and distribution of a computer-like device capable of comprehensive health, security, and movement monitoring in the home. The company is pursuing sales elsewhere in Europe as well…”

Joop Koopman is an experienced writer/journalist, with a background in Catholic media (as editor and publisher), baby boomer-oriented marketing, as well as public relations serving both commercial and non-profit clients and causes. He currently provides a stable of European magazines catering to the 50-plus audience with information on US marketing trends. He is fluent in Dutch and French.

Health Innovation@50+ LivePitch

AARP Banner

The 2nd annual AARP Health Innovation@50+ LivePitch, Friday, May 31 at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the premier showcase featuring the most exciting start-up companies in the “50 and over” health technology and innovation sector. The pitch event offers the venture capital and angel investor community as well as the media, the opportunity to connect with these outstanding start-ups.

Health Innovation@50+ takes place at the annual 2013 Life@50+ AARP National Event & Expo in Las Vegas, which is attended by 20,000+ members and guests from across the U.S. and the globe.

Live Pitch Application Deadline:  Friday, April 12, 2013  Apply Here

The unique LivePitch dual-pitch format allows start-ups to pitch leading venture and angel investors as well as AARP consumers.  The day starts with companies pitching the judges and investor audience. In the afternoon, AARP members will be welcomed into the room and companies will have the opportunity to redirect their pitch to the consumer audience and gain valuable consumer feedback. At the end of the day two grand prize winners – a Judges’ Winner and AARP Consumer Winner – will be announced.

Register with Promo Code “VIP50” for 50% off!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j226jmDmqTo&w=560&h=315]

City of West Bend chooses GrandCare as the Growing Local Business of the Month

GrandCare Systems has been announced as the City of West Bend’s Growing Local Business of the month for March 2013.

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The Department of Development implemented the Growing Local Business program to recognize businesses that are important to the community.  GrandCare Systems has a large international reach and is doing really advanced things.  GrandCare Systems really impressed one of the Dept of Development members who then nominated GrandCare for Business of the Month.

“The technology GrandCare Systems employs enables individuals needing assistance to remain safe, healthy, and happy in their home.  The business’ cutting-edge technology, growing international reach and list of awards are extraordinary.  I am sure great things are to come from this small business.”

– Kraig K. Sadownikow, Mayor, West Bend WI

The Department of Development implemented the Growing Local Business program to recognize businesses that are important to the community.

GrandCare Systems will be featured in a shadowbox at the West Bend City Hall for the month of March to showcase GrandCare’s award.

GrandCare Systems: Winner, Finalist and Nominee

2013 Best Senior Living Awards Winner

GrandCare Systems was voted Most Innovative Senior Living Product

Best Senior Award 2013Seattle, WA – Feb. 20, 2013 – SeniorHomes.com, an online directory and resource for seniors and their families searching for senior care or senior housing, announces winners for the SeniorHomes.com 2013 Best Senior Living Awards, in the Websites, Blogs, and People categories..

The SeniorHomes.com 2013 Best Senior Living Awards is a program designed to identify the top resources, providers and organizations in a variety of senior living categories. A panel of 21 leading senior living industry experts has completed ratings for the finalists in each category , and winners have been identified based on cumulative average ratings.

Official Press Release
SeniorHomes.com

Other Consumer Resources Winners by category include:

 

WegoHealth 2012 Trailblazer Award Finalist

GrandCare’s VP of Business Development, Laura Mitchell has been chosen as 1 of 5, 2012 Trailblazer Award finalists

Laura Mitchell“Laura was a pioneer in the aging/technology space, starting in early 2005 with digital health technology leader, GrandCare Systems. Laura is one of the core founders whose initial role was to educate the market on the capabilities of technology and how it could help to improve caregiving, health, safety and self-care.”

Official Nomination

Nominated as the City of West Bend’s Growing Local Business of the month for March 2013

“The Department of Development implemented the Growing Local Business program to recognize businesses that are important to the community. GrandCare Systems is a business that most of the community has not likely heard of, but has a large international reach and is doing really advanced things. I was really impressed with GrandCare Systems ever since we met with you in December, and have selected GrandCare for Business of the Month for exactly that reason. I have followed you through our twitter page and have seen never ending positive accomplishments and awards from GrandCare.”

-Amanda Knack, Economic Development Specialist