Massachusetts Digital Health Sandbox Networking Series Explores AgeTech Disruption and Innovation with Newbury Court Senior Living
Concord, MA, November 27, 2024 – The Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI), in collaboration with the New England Deaconess Association (Deaconess), brought together leaders in AgeTech for the networking event, “Opportunities for Disruption and Innovation in Senior Living Communities”, on November 21st. The event highlighted the disruptive potential of technology in providing services for older adults.
A central theme of the event was the opportunity to innovate both senior care and its business models. Panelists discussed the ways in which AgeTech can help older adults age-in-place more effectively and how startups can better meet their needs.
Key Insights from Panelists:
- Taylor Patskanick, LCSW, MSW, MPH, Research Specialist at MIT AgeLab, stressed the importance of service innovation in conjunction with product innovation. “Technology must be both serviceable and sustainable,” she said. Patskanick shared her excitement for AI’s potential in the AgeTech sector, specifically in dementia diagnoses and identifying early indicators. She also highlighted how AI can assist in curating resources for families and caregivers during emergencies and help younger populations plan for their retirement.
- Jamie Gong, Co-Founder of Care Hero, shared how technology can be used to help older adults beyond senior living communities. “AI is not just about solving problems; it’s about adapting and customizing the experience to improve care for each person,” she noted.
- Cyrus “Chuck” Gibson, Newbury Court Resident and Technology Committee Member, discussed how every senior has unique medical, social, and emotional needs, making it crucial for tech solutions to address diverse challenges.
- Jacob “Jake” Brown, Newbury Court Resident and Technology Committee Member, echoed the importance of building trust between residents and tech products. “The relationship with tech has to start with trust,” he said. “Once a product has the resident’s trust, then you can explore all the capabilities.”
- Robert “Bob” Dore, Newbury Court Resident and Technology Committee Member, added a perspective on the need for thoughtful business models. “Most startups fail due to a lack of capital and unclear target markets,” he said. He advised that startups must ensure their product has strong cash flow and a clear understanding of their target market.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Deaconess CEO Chris Sintros highlighted some of the barriers for AgeTech, including regulatory hurdles and a misunderstanding of the aging population. Sintros emphasized the importance of considering both the senior living business model and the real-world expectations of older adults when developing new tech solutions. “This generation of older adults were change agents throughout their careers and continue to have high standards as they look ahead. Technology needs to empower them towards their own individual goals for successful aging,” said Sintros.
The panel also focused on the specific needs of senior living communities, including the demand for cost-effective, accessible solutions to help seniors age in place. As residents from Newbury Court discussed their comfort with technology, they noted their trust in it is high, but want their trust to be earned. “AI is like any other tool,” said Bob Dore. “Don’t just use it for the sake of using it. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for those over the age of 65, so it’s important that AI doesn’t make assumptions for individuals.”
A Vision for the Future:
MeHI, as part of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), has observed growing interest in AI-powered tools and other technologies designed to improve care delivery. “We are proud to collaborate with (Deaconess) on this important conversation about the future of AgeTech,” said Keely Benson, Director of MeHI. “As Boston continues to lead the AgeTech economy, we’re excited to support innovations that will help seniors live better, longer lives.”
The event closed with a call for continued collaboration across tech developers, senior living communities, and families to ensure that new innovations are effective, adaptable, and widely adopted. The partnership between MeHI and Deaconess is seen as a model for how senior living communities can work with innovators to bring impactful solutions to life.
About the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI): MeHI is dedicated to advancing digital health innovation and supporting the growth of Massachusetts’ digital health ecosystem. As part of the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, MeHI promotes the adoption of health IT, improves care delivery, and fosters economic development in the digital health sector.
About New England Deaconess Association: New England Deaconess Association, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, was established over 135 years ago to provide a broad range of health care services and housing for senior residents in New England. It currently oversees the operation of three sites: Newbury Court in Concord, MA, Rockridge in Northampton, MA, Wesley Woods in Gilford NH, as well as Deaconess Abundant Life Services our home care provider.
Press Contact:
Contact Amy Capofreddi, Vice President of Development
Phone 978-402-8273
Email acapofreddi@nedeaconess.org
Photo: Panelists (Left to Right): Bob Dore, Chuck Gibson, Taylor Patskanick, Jamie Gong, and Jake Brown