In his recently published book, The Longevity Economy, Joe Coughlin, director of the MIT Age Lab wrote “the visionaries who will help build a better old age will be those who understand, at a deep, intuitive level, what older adults want diverges from the current narrative. The products that bridge that gap will empower older adults. They will help them continue to participate in society economically, culturally and socially. And as cultural objects, these products will send forth the message that personal agency in old age is normal.”
The way to get to that “deep, intuitive level” is to listen to the users—designing WITH rather than designing FOR. Fifteen years ago, LeadingAge established the Center for Aging Services Technology (CAST), whose purpose is to be a platform for dialogue between providers, researchers, and technology companies. Dialogue to ensure that new technologies for aging services meet the needs of providers and older adults alike. Dialogue to ensure that products empower older adults and improve their quality of life.
Fifteen years ago, dialogue like this did not take place. Older adults and aging services providers were rarely consulted during new technology development. We believed then—and still do—that the needs of older adults and those who serve them are unique. Anything short of technologies designed with OUR users was inadequate. In 15 years, I am pleased to say that we have made demonstrable progress. CAST’s platform has grown exponentially larger and LeadingAge members are willingly testing and deploying technologies as well as providing critical feedback to technology companies.
We also believe that “at a deep, intuitive level” what older adults want is in perfect alignment with what providers want. There is no dividing line when it comes to technologies to improve quality, to increase efficiency, to foster social engagement, to manage medications, to protect sensitive data, or to connect an older adult to a clinician. And, together, these technologies hold the key to addressing the challenges and opportunities of a society that is rapidly aging. Perhaps a different interface—but the fundamental goals are the same.
Since the inception of CAST, LeadingAge has been a strong voice for user-centered technologies. We’ve worked hard to take the guesswork out of investments in technologies by co-creating tools with our members to help with decision-making. The key is co-creation. We don’t just trust our instincts. We check them constantly with members and they, in turn, bring the voice of those they serve. We facilitate dialogue with technology companies and we assess results through case studies.
In all, we know that technologies are not a “nice to have” but a “need to have.” They integrate with the daily work of providers, influence partnerships, facilitate transparency, and are an indisputable expectation of consumers. We’re advocating for demonstrations to prove cost-savings as a result of technologies, to ensure broadband in rural areas so providers and consumers can take advantage of essential technologies, and to level the playing field for investment and cost recovery between the acute care settings and aging services.
Our goal is that ALL members and those they serve have equal access to technologies—not just those who have the means to do so. The promise of technology to improve quality of life in the future will be continually enhanced with artificial intelligence, exoskeletons, and things we can’t even imagine today. The foundation we have laid at LeadingAge through CAST’s forward-thinking focus on technology is imperative to realizing that promise.