Create pioneers for the new frontier of aging by leveraging the innovation in your own communities. Learn how with a recent LeadingAge QuickCast.

A program that began as a brain health initiative in 2019 has become much, much more. Spanish Cove Retirement in Yukon, OK, has created a unique opportunity for its residents through its Never Too Old (N2O) program. Nearly four years after they commenced, N2O Innovators at Spanish Cove are seeking patents for two novel devices, experiencing rich community engagement, and fostering incredible partnerships with universities (Oklahoma State and University of Oklahoma) and their local career tech school. “We believe no one is ever too old to solve problems, and that’s what N2O is all about—finding answers to the everyday challenges older adults face,” says Don Blose, CEO and Executive Administrator of Spanish Cove, in his inspiring LeadingAge QuickCast, Never Too Old Innovators: Tapping the Creativity and Imagination of Residents.

Blose says we have a tremendous resource: a pool of older adults who are the most experienced problem solvers on the planet, and who have demonstrated that they are world-changers.

Although the 65-plus population is our fastest growing demographic, most products and services are not designed with the older adult in mind. Think about all the advancements of the 21st century, while we all still struggle opening a pickle jar. This, along with other real-life challenges facing older adults, spurred the creation of N2O. In Never Too Old Innovators and in a 2022 LeadingAge article, Older, Wiser Creators Inventing a Better World, Blose shares the story of the initiative and provides helpful insights to help kickstart your own program:

• Watch a video on innovation (e.g., IDEO and the shopping cart)
• Get organized (e.g., create a steering committee)
• Create an executive summary and identify ideas through a brainstorming session
• Share and reach out to potential partners

Spanish Cove focused on aging in place and after reaching out to nearby schools, received positive responses from Oklahoma State, University of Oklahoma, and Career Tech school. In fact, the university partners look to N2O as a tremendous feeder for capstone projects. Along with its partners, N2O is working on its next big project: a model, age-friendly home in the community featuring products never seen before.

N20 is excited about the future too. The group is working on obtaining and owning patents and intellectual property rights, expanding and working with partners, and helping people retain independence longer. Spanish Cove invites you to form your own N2O program and join them in problem solving for the daily challenges faced by older adults and people of all ages. Get started by watching the 28-minute Never Too Old Innovators QuickCast—free for LeadingAge members.