It’s no secret that our nation and the world are undergoing profound demographic changes. Expectations about aging are shifting, and workforce models are evolving. The need for our services continues to grow, even as our operating environment becomes more challenging to navigate.

I’m proud to report that LeadingAge members are responding to these seemingly conflicting trends with curiosity rather than hesitation. I know this because one of the most important—and most fulfilling—parts of my job is talking with members at meetings across the country; visiting your organizations and chatting with your teams, residents, and clients; taking stock of the challenges you face; and taking heart in how you address them.

During the hundreds of conversations I’ve had with members each year, one truth has become crystal clear. LeadingAge members are succeeding in fulfilling their missions because they are relentless in asking three key questions: 

What if? 

Why not? 

How else?

I assure you that LeadingAge is asking the same questions. 

We’ve learned from you what it takes to remain relevant in our challenging operating environment. We work hard to stay nimble, scan the horizon to anticipate what’s coming, develop new services, and forge new partnerships. 

Inspired by your example and our mission to support your work, we have made innovation a core priority. Our goal is to dream big, test thoughtfully, refine continuously, and focus on making things better.

We’ve made a solid start. Here are two examples.

• Dorvie: Working with members and a small team of entrepreneurs, LeadingAge helped create Dorvie, a concierge platform designed to help older adults maintain their independence. Dorvie is a stellar example of how organizations like ours can partner with others to identify a gap, develop a solution, and then refine it based on member feedback and experience. 
• Dementia Inclusion: Over a year ago, LeadingAge began exploring how we might embrace inclusive, person-centered approaches to dementia care that prioritize autonomy, connection, and quality of life. A conversation that began with a small group of members has since expanded. Our goal is to stimulate a national conversation that we believe will become increasingly urgent as the number of people living with dementia rises rapidly.

LeadingAge defines innovation as the process of exploring new angles on persistent challenges and forging new partnerships that expand what is possible. Our innovation agenda didn’t develop in a vacuum. It emerged—and continues to evolve—in lockstep with LeadingAge members. Its goal is to help us all lean in, stay curious, and take smart risks.  

What you are doing today is extraordinary. The lives you touch and the differences you make are profound. We need to continue that work—and do more. We need innovative business models, service delivery approaches, and care practices. We need to keep asking those three pivotal questions: What if? Why not? How else?

You have my word: LeadingAge will continue to set the table for exploration, shared learning, collaboration, and connection. We will enthusiastically pursue these efforts alongside you as our partners. 

The need is great. The opportunity is real. I do not doubt that aging services leaders who ask What if? Why not? How else? will help shape a brighter future for all of us.