Aging2.0 Blog

CoverAGE | Exciting updates for the Aging2.0 network 😀

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:35:53 GMT

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

We have exciting news in the world of Aging2.0! As a growing community of more than 40,000 innovators across 31 countries, we are thrilled to announce the release of a new strategic plan in early March. With insight from ambassadors like you, we will set new goals to accelerate innovation, address challenges in aging and generate revenue.

As President and CEO, I’ll be taking on a major role within the organization and making greater connections in our network that now spans more than 130 cities. As we continue to grow, we’ve made necessary additions to our staff with more to be announced soon.
Phil Marshall will be taking on the role as Managing Director of Aging2.0. Phil most recently served as President and CEO of Hosparus Health. As a leader in the hospice world, Phil has a unique and insightful perspective on the needs of the aging community. Prior to joining Hosparus Health, Phil served as Executive Director/VP of the Norton Healthcare Foundation and Chief Administrative Officer and CEO at The Healing Place. Phil will be a valuable addition to the Aging2.0 team with his passion for aging innovation.
Caitlin Greenwell was recently named the Director of Marketing and Communications for Aging2.0. With an extensive background in public relations and fundraising across multiple sectors, Caitlin most recently served as the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Western Kentucky University.
After nearly six years with Aging2.0, Ellen Young is departing the organization. Ellen most recently served as Executive Director. We wish Ellen the best in her future endeavors.
We’re also extremely proud to announce the launch of our brand-new, highly anticipated Aging2.0 website . We have been tirelessly working to bring you an updated and intuitive user experience. With stunning visuals and easy-to-navigate pages, we invite you to explore the elevated redesign.

As always, please reach out with any questions or feedback you may have for me or anyone on the Aging2.0 team.

Sincerely,
Tammy York Day, President & CEO

We are excited to introduce Konexons to the Aging2.0 network. Konexons is the new innovation platform that will help connect innovators, entrepreneurs and investors with the resources they need to bring amazing technologies to the marketplace. Our chapters will each have their own Konexons Community Portal where chapter members can see who the members are, what the resources are that are available for chapter members, and news that is specific to the chapter.

Chapter Survey: We want you! Aging2.0 is kicking into high gear and we want your input. Please click this link and take a survey to help us understand how we can best serve our Chapters. These surveys will inform our strategic direction. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Miguel at miguel@aging2.com .

MEET ELLIQ, THE ROBOT WHO WANTS TO KEEP GRANDMA COMPANY

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:32:13 GMT

via the Washington Post

A new AI device optimized for empathy will either solve the problem of senior isolation or fling us into a dystopic abyss

“ElliQ, good morning.”

“Good morning, Susan. How did you sleep?"

“I slept well, thank you.”

“That’s good. Would you like to do some exercise?

“Not now. I’m going to church. Maybe later?”

“Okay.”

Click here to read the story.

‘Healthcare sector in dire need of mass innovation’

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:22:45 GMT

via Innovation Origins (partners@innovationorigins.com)

https://innovationorigins.com/en/healthcare-sector-in-dire-need-of-mass-innovation/

The operation earlier this year in which a heart from a genetically modified pig was implanted into a human was a real feat of innovation. Yet this medical breakthrough is not a blessing – and not just because the patient died two months later. The future of healthcare stands to benefit more from the broader application of innovation.

“When we think of innovation, everyone tends to think of an app or an ICT solution. But innovation needs to encompass far more than that. In healthcare, we need a whole host of technical, medical and organizational innovation,” said Mark van Houdenhoven, chair of the Board of Directors of the Sint Maartenskliniek. This hospital in Nijmegen (which also has six other locations in the Netherlands) specializes in orthopedics, rheumatology, rehabilitation and treatment of pain.

Van Houdenhoven is one of the keynote speakers at the Health Valley Event, which will be held in Nijmegen over the next three days. Health Valley is the ‘healthcare innovation network of the East Netherlands’, as the organization labels itself.

Click here to see the full story.

DAY 21 - VIENNA - Onkel Harry

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 15:42:57 GMT

Imagine you’re the casting director of a musical with a seemingly impossible task: Find 30 seniors in Vienna who are willing to sing and dance on stage.

With a callback rate that usually lies between 5–7%, it was clear that at least 500 seniors would have to be found to cast the best 30. The entire city would be notified of this innovative cultural act—and the most renowned singing and dancing coaches in Austria had been hired to train the amateur actors' group. No pressure!

All of your hope lies on a city-wide media and PR campaign to invite seniors to come to the casting; a campaign that was announced in traditional media channels like print, radio and local TV. A few weeks pass and only 150 people apply. You’re trying to think outside the box: Let’s target the grandchildren! You start running a campaign on Instagram titled “Sign Your Grandma Up to Perform On Stage”. Zero response. Then it hits you: Target seniors on social media with a video campaign! A few days pass and then, suddenly, the applications start pouring in. 600 submissions in 10 days! You probably already guessed which media channel helped to reach the goal: Facebook.

The Concept

When the marketing manager of the Pensioners Club of the City of Vienna realized that his manifold program of 150 local clubs—which aimed to connect and entertain seniors—showed very low attendance numbers, he had an idea.

His co-worker Anna, a trained musical writer, told her colleagues that she had written a musical titled Onkel Harry (Uncle Harry). The marketing director read it, loved it, and made a proposal: What if the highlights of the club program were cleverly and subtly embedded in the musical script? They would invite 30 seniors from Vienna to act, sing and dance and hire professional musical actors and coaches to train and act with them. Their hope: The performance of the autodidact actors and the charming story would stir the motivation of seniors to attend the club events, thus staying active and socially connected—while the musical would become a big hit and show what seniors are capable of.

The Result

The goal was to find 500 seniors through the media and PR campaign. Selecting the right media channel and creating the right message (“act alongside a widely known musical star”) made over 600 seniors come to the audition. 25 reports in regional and national media (print, TV and online) provided local and national coverage which has an estimated media value of €500,000+. The musical was scheduled to premiere in October 2020 but was postponed when the second Corona lockdown hit Vienna. The Uncle Harry premier is now scheduled to take place on September 8, 2021.

This is a call to all Austrians: Go and watch the show! It will be a tremendous support for the seniors who have been practicing and working hard to perform at their best. They deserve to be showered in applause

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Daniela at vienna@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 20 - SINGAPORE - Table Tennis for Good

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:36:36 GMT

Sunil Raghavan, a Singapore based IT Professional and a Table Tennis enthusiast, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015. He has a 6-year-old son diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome. Neither of these conditions has a cure. The diagnosis altered Sunil as a person. “My outlook towards the journey of life changed and my motive to live got much more meaningful,” says Sunil.

Table Tennis has helped both Sunil and his son improve their respective conditions. Sunil’s experience with table tennis and how it had improved his life was something he wanted to share. Together with the help of a few friends, they formed Table Tennis for Good (TT4G) Limited.

Playing table tennis—even at an absolute beginner level—develops muscle endurance, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, cognitive performance, memory, upper body strength and has many other benefits. TT4G has developed a series of programs focused on older adults, with resources and materials available to get people of any ability playing.

“We are all responsible to contribute towards our community in our own little ways,” says Sunil.

The Concept

Table tennis is good for your health and can positively impact neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Creating a holistic experience—from warmup to play to socializing—helps older adults participate in their community and maintain mental, emotional and physical wellness.

The Result

TT4G was evolved out of validation of years of research of table tennis and its health benefits. The programs were developed in partnership with a Singaporean deep neuroscience company, who have digital brain scan solutions and are the digital neuroscience partners of the National Neuroscience Institute. Government support was secured to maximize outreach to Singapore’s dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s communities.

Custom versions of the table tennis game were created to enable absolute beginners to participate and improve. These customized programs focus on simplified gameplay while incorporating meditation techniques to engage participants with breathing and visualization practices. This approach is designed to improve cognitive capacity when combined with physical movement. To learn more, visit the TT4G website at www.tt4good.com/home and subscribe to their YouTube channel .

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Rodney at singapore@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 19 - TEL AVIV - SĀGE

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 15:32:30 GMT

Jim Goettler, author of the book Everything Non-Profit Toolkit, first heard about SĀGE on Facebook. After becoming a mentor, he connected with 2 young women from New York who had started a non-profit during COVID-19. Their idea was to send plants to older adults in nursing homes, and they needed organizational expertise to help scale their idea.

Jim said: “That’s where I was able to step in. They were good people, doing good things and I wanted to help these young ladies build their business. To me, this feels like a simple continuum and natural progression of how things should be. They can now take the knowledge I passed on to them, add their understanding, and then pass it along to the next person, who will share it with the next.”

Sandi, a resident of Sydney, Australia, contacted the platform after reading about SĀGE. She said, “I don’t know what I can teach, but I want to be involved.” Sandi took on the role of sharing the SĀGE platform with Australian newspapers and recruiting new Sages. Helping the platform grow fills her with joy: “I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about something. It gives me butterflies!”

The Concept

SĀGE is a platform where elders share their expertise and practical wisdom with younger generations through one-on-one and small group experiences.

SĀGE has been offering classes that teach practical wisdom around the world since their launch in April of 2020. In November they launched SĀGE with FRIENDS—classes with smaller groups. In these 40-minute experiences, people with similar interests get acquainted. The classes are free of charge; however, participants can choose to tip their Sāge. The classes are led by a spirited group of Sages who are more than happy to share their knowledge, create new friendships and bridge the generation gap.

The Result

All of the online experiences were fully booked, and 427 people logged on to watch them live. The live events led to 8,700 views and additional booked session on the platform.

There are a variety of classes, including investment and cooking, with more subjects being added daily. The Chess Openers and Traps class taught by Bill Wall even had a guest appearance by Grandmaster Larry Kaufman, a World Senior Champion.

SĀGE is asking the Aging2.0 community to nominate knowledgeable and wise elders who might be interested in sharing their expertise on SĀGE. Visit www.findasage.com to learn more!

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Dov at telaviv@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 18 - TOKYO - Mimamoriai

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 15:22:39 GMT

In Japan, cities like Masudo are raising public awareness among residents and businesses, especially those that regularly come in contact with older adults. Cafes and dementia drop-in centers are the types of places where the Mimamoriai service team distributes stickers that can be attached to wallets, keychains and umbrellas—which help police and attentive citizens locate the families of people who have wandered from their homes.

Manami Y. is a local welfare official who often patrols Matsudo’s suburbs. She says, “If we see an older house that has the curtains drawn during the day or a big pile of newspapers in the mailbox, we go and check.”

She also knew exactly what to do when she spotted a woman pushing a bicycle who, despite the rain, did not have an umbrella. The woman told her she was on her way to her hometown—which was hundreds of miles away. The orange Mimamoriai sticker on her coat allowed Manami to call the woman’s daughter, and Manami was able to talk with the woman until her family arrived to escort her home.

Manami alone has helped 14 of the 180 dementia patients in Matsudo safely reunite with their families.

The Concept

Approximately 60% of people with dementia will respond to the compulsion to ‘wander’. This includes leaving the places where they are supported and supervised, resulting in them being lost and confused. The Mimamoriai service in Japan helps communities work together to locate and return home people with dementia who might have become lost.

The belongings of the person with dementia can be labelled with a sticker that displays a telephone number and a unique identifier. If someone is found lost and wandering, any citizen can call the number on the sticker and help the person return to safety.

If a caregiver discovers their loved one is missing, they can send a request to the community with information to help identify the person via the Mimamoria app. This notification shows up on the smartphone of all the volunteers who have downloaded the app.

The Result

800,000 app downloads
689 app search requests initiated per year
208 sticker-based recoveries per year
Adopted by various Japanese local governments
Supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

The Mimamoriai service is unique to Japan but can easily extended to other countries. For those interested in adopting the program, please contact the Aging2.0 Tokyo Ambassador Yasuko Akutsu at tokyo@aging2.com .

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Yasuko Akutsu at tokyo@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 17 - TAIPEI - Plahan

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 15:17:05 GMT

78-year-old Bo Shan is a member of the Atayal group, Taiwan’s second largest indigenous community and are located in the country’s central mountains. Bo Shan had been healthy and active for most of his life, until one day he got a bad cold and went to the hospital for a check-up. He was admitted and a tracheostomy tube was inserted. What followed was a difficult period of constant transition between the hospital and nursing home. Bo Shan felt deeply alone and wished to go back home to his village.

Plahan came forward to help. Plahan in Atayal means “people sitting around the fire pit, gathering together to support each other”. The organization formed a multidisciplinary team to help Bo Shan return home and receive the care he needed. The care team further assisted Bo Shan to reconnect with his family and friends at church. Gradually, Bo Shan regained his ability to live independently and began to embrace a new role as a supporter of other seniors in the community.

“Because of Plahan, I could go back home and find joy in life that had been long lost since I was admitted to the hospital and nursing home. Plahan offers me not only care and support, but also an extended family. I am grateful and willing to be the support to others in my community,” says Bo Shan.

The Concept

Plahan is designed to mobilize and empower local citizens to care for their seniors and catalyze mutual support in the community. It develops a strong support system to attract locals to be trained caregivers. It partners with medical and nursing professionals to develop and lead both online and in person training.

Plahan further empowers local caregivers to identify opportunities to enhance seniors’ sense of belonging and engage them in various communal activities. It implements a time-banking scheme to encourage people to volunteer and take active participation in the community. It transformed a once empty rural village into a community hub where people of all ages and abilities can join together.

The Result

Plahan enables more than 100 older adults return to or continue to age in their homes. Around 10% of them require 24-hour care and support. The participation of the seniors in community activities has increased by 40%. Moreover, some of the seniors are no longer mere care recipients, but have also become contributors who encourage and support others to stay self-reliant and connected. Plahan continues to build its strong support system and successfully attracts people to return to their villages. It now has more than 50 caregivers with various types of work arrangements.

Plahan needs help with implementation of video-based, interactive, online educational modules for caregivers to enhance their nursing, communication, and motivational skills. They also need to learn about the technology that automates the collection and analysis of data to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the service. If you would like to help Plahan make these improvements, contact Hsin-Ling Tsai at hsinling@silverliningsglobal.com .

Watch this video to learn more about this inspiring initiative!

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Hsin-Ling Tsai at taipei@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 16 - WINNIPEG - Connecting with Connie

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 19:33:15 GMT

Connie Newman understands the issues that seniors face; since her retirement she has devoted her life to advocating for the needs of seniors. As a retired high school teacher, Connie’s ability to bring people together and solve problems makes her perfect in her role: “I am a connector. I firmly believe the more knowledge that people have, the more they control their own destiny. My work aims to help people socialize and gain information.”

What are the main issues Connie think seniors are facing right now? Income insecurity: did I save enough money, where can I afford to live, can I eat healthy and can I afford to socialize with the money I have available?

Where can we find solutions? Through gathering: people gather over food, families gather over dinner, small communities gather over coffee & conversation events. People want to be seen and appreciated—no matter their age.

For many older people who watch TV all day—no wonder they get depressed, the news is constantly negative! Connie remarks, “We need to get people out of their house and engaged in all the good things that are happening in our world. My message to people of all ages: Smile and say hi when you walk by somebody on the street. It’s simple. Respect people that are different than you. ”

COVID-19 has impacted many businesses and nonprofits — and Winnipeg’s community radio station CJNU 93.7FM is no different. When they announced to their listeners that they may have to sign off, the community rallied to help fund the radio station confirming the incredible impact the station has with its listeners.

The Concept

The station knows many of their elderly listeners are facing social isolation and have given Aging 2.0 Ambassador Connie Newman a segment on the daily program. Connie is able to share all kinds of information with the community, particularly focused on older adults.

The Result

Connie uses her 1-minute clips to empower the older adults in Winnipeg and surrounding areas.

She provides all kinds of resources, tips, and education to the listeners, helping them feel connected and equipped. Connie says “ the more knowledge you can give, the more people can continue to do for themselves ” which helps people maintain a sense of independence.

Connie has more than 50 clips she recorded which can also be found on the CJNU 93.7 FM website.

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Rebecca at rebecca@aging2.com with any questions.

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Day 15 - Sao Paulo - SouMaisSessenta

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 19:26:44 GMT

Neuza Guerreiro de Carvalho: “I am 90 years old and had stayed in my apartment alone since March cooking, cleaning and working. It was a very lonely period. Then the campaign #IamOverSixty appeared in the media, and as a local director of Aging2.0, I was invited to join it. I was asked to do a TV commercial for iFood (a delivery App), calling attention to the needs of older adults.”

“This got a lot of people who are 60 years and older excited to read my blog about daily life, the books I read and the classes I lecture. They were also eager to learn how to use digital tools to communicate. I am also pleased that my appearance on TV raised awareness for my live digital course about how to write one’s personal history (Memorias Contadas) and helped me to gain dozens of new subscribers.”

This campaign is like a wave: starting small, it has grown with more and more people connecting and passing on the message. It has helped people like Neuza Guerreiro de Carvalho feel better about themselves and encouraged them to move forward, feel loved and listened to. This campaign is gradually reaching other cities and states through its work and engagement of other Aging2.0 local Chapters (such as Ribeirao Preto and Rio).

The Concept

By mid-March 2020, the COVID-19 lockdown was a reality across Brazil. In the city of São Paulo, nearly all businesses were closed. In a southern city, older adults were forbidden to leave their homes. Soon rumors grew on social media that treating seniors in hospitals and keeping them safe was negatively impacting the economy.

To combat this ageism and the effects that social and physical isolation produce, Aging2.0 São Paulo came up with the campaign #SouMaisSessenta (#IamOverSixty). The Chapter was joined by local partners Artplan, USP 60+ University and the Municipality of São Paulo.

Together they created a movement to highlight the value, wisdom and experience that older generations offer to Brazilian society. The program promotes intergenerational exchange and communication to keep older adults active, and called on the Brazilian society as a whole to reach out and be sensitive to the needs of older adults.

The Result

The campaign officially started on December 1st, 2020 on the subways of São Paulo, which carry over 5.3 million people daily. A special video was produced and shown on a screen in all of the subway cars. Some key stations were lit each evening with the 3 colors of the campaign (blue, yellow and rose) and posters were made to inform passengers of the campaign’s objectives.

The movement has grown and the videos are now running during prime time on Cultura and Record, two of the largest TV stations in Brazil. Segments on the local news of TV Bandeirantes featured interviews with senior representatives of the campaign.

All campaign material is customizable and available for free to any Aging2.0 Ambassador or anyone from the Aging2.0 network to use!

Check out the following videos to learn more about this inspiring campaign!

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Sergio at saopaulo@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 14 - PRAGUE - OSCAR SENIOR

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 19:20:18 GMT

Alena has a physiotherapist appointment. She recently injured her ankle and isn't able to walk on the cobblestone streets that surround her home in Jeseník, Czech Republic. In a city that has no public transport she simply opens the Oscar Senior app and orders a taxi. The convenient 15-minute ride saves her from further injury and pain. When the taxi arrives, she greets her driver, Havel, with a smile and hello.

Knowing the driver’s name makes Alena feel comfortable. During the ride she tells Havel all about her holiday season, including how proud she was to have learned to use the new tablet her son gave her for Christmas.

Alena says: "I never thought I would say this, but I am so grateful for technology. I remember the days when I needed to use the car service from the municipality. I had to order it at least 24 hours in advance. Now I just open the app, see who will pick me up and a taxi arrives.”

The Concept

There is no public transportation in the Czech town of Jeseník. To help older adults move around town and visit doctors, pharmacies and government offices the municipality provided a car service for the local seniors. Each senior was able to use the service up to 4 times per month with a split fare: 1€ paid by the senior and the remainder, about €5, paid by the city government.

Unfortunately this program couldn’t be registered as a taxi service because of regulations so seniors were forced to order the service by telephone at least a day in advance. Restrictive legislation and poor customer experience ordering meant the service didn’t scale.

Working with city representatives, Oscar Senior came up with a solution: combining the digital infrastructure of an existing taxi service with the Oscar Senior app— a digital communication platform many older adults in the area already used . This new and improved app has provided seniors with a very simple and intuitive way to book the car service.

The Result

This innovative solution helps older adults order a ride in a more flexible and effective way. It is also beneficial for the taxi drivers, increasing non-peak bookings who often become regular customers. Additionally, the maintenance time, driver and vehicle costs have decreased by 80% saving the local government valuable money. This intuitive booking service combined with more available taxis has helped more and more seniors take advantage of the program. The average number of monthly rides taken by older adults has increased approximately 40% each year from 2018 to 2020.

This digital service is also available for implementation in other cities within the Czech Republic. If your city could benefit from the service, visit www.oscarsenior.com and contact Tomas at prague@aging2.com for more information.

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Ellen at orangecounty@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 13 - LONDON - DIASPO

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 21:35:19 GMT

Amrita Narain started teaching cooking over 25 years ago, but as a full-time working mother she decided to take a break. Now retired, she reignited her passion for teaching when she heard about Diaspo. She is now instructing people who share her passion for food through online classes. Teaching gave her something to do during the pandemic when the lockdowns began. Her recipes aren’t from any cookbooks—they are unique to her family, gathered through letters from her mother and sister over 30 years ago. Sharing these recipes, especially with the younger generations, fills her with gratitude and pride—it allows her to pass on the belonging and identity of her Indian heritage.

Amrita recently spoke to a 17-year-old participant of her online cooking class on Southern Indian cuisine. He told her: “Growing up in London, we dress British and speak British and when we eat Indian food it often tastes like fast food. Learning how my grandmother in Chennai was cooking gives me the sensation of the culture that I come from.” Amrita is one of Diaspo’s three dozen senior private chefs, each of whom are from different cultural backgrounds. The community continues to grow each month and the fact Amrita is earning extra money from teaching these classes is icing on the cake.

The Concept

Diaspo runs live cooking classes taught by older adult home cooks. For these cooks, it is a chance to improve their well-being while doing something they love: preserving their culture and traditions by teaching the recipes and techniques passed down through their families.

In order to lead their classes, each cook is trained to use current technology. These older adult cooks can earn money flexibly, teaching from their home kitchen and on their own schedule.

The Result

Launched one year ago with the ambition to have 100 home cooks and 10,000 dishes made, Diaspo has made great progress in a short period of time. They have recruited over 30 home cooks to share their family dishes and techniques. More than 1,500 dishes have been made, and participants have given the program more than 50 five star reviews.

Class options include Creole, Caribbean, Indian, Moroccan, Libyan, Pakistani and more. Each class is intimate and interactive so participants can make meaningful connections with the teachers while learning the steps, stories, and secrets behind these heritage recipes. Learn more at www.joindiaspo.com and subscribe to Diaspo's YouTube channel here !

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Eric at london@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 12 - BARCELONA - RADARS

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 21:14:00 GMT

Carmen closes her pharmacy at half past eight. Her store is located in the centre of Barcelona, so she has many people to attend to all day long. She also helps people from the neighbourhood, both the ones who have lived there for their whole life and the ones who just moved in.

She is alert and attentive and keeps an eye on the dynamics of her elderly - and most regular - customers. Carmen watches for changes in their routine such as their behaviour or appearance. If Señora Millan Ortiz, who comes in every week to pick up her medicine, has not done so by Friday, Carmen will raise the alarm.

Her internal ‘radar' tells her something might be wrong with Señora Millan Oritz. It could be that her neighbor has fallen at home and might be lying on the floor because, at 86 years of age and living alone, she might not be able to get up or call for help. Carmen can mobilise her community to help. Carmen has made a commitment to keep an eye on neighbors like Señora Millan Ortiz. Like many thousands of other residents of Barcelona, she is a member of the Radars network.

The Concept

From the ground up, a community is helped to network within itself by a group of dedicated core volunteers. Their shared purpose is to keep older adults engaged in civic life.

Each person or organization of the network becomes a ‘radar’ scanning to understand how someone is doing and proactively anticipate issues. A neighbourhood radar is made up of clinics, pharmacists, grocers, shops, volunteers, social services, community centers, neighbourhood associations and more.

The Result

Barcelona has more than 3,600 “Radars” who are in turn supported and co-ordinated by a dedicated core of 350 volunteers. In turn, these people directly support 1,400 individuals in their neighbourhood.

This successful community initiative quickly grew to support older adults isolated because of COVID-19. Across the city Radars put up posters encouraging people to reach out to older people. By some estimates this simple activity by Radars helped 8 to 10 thousand people be contacted by their neighbours early in the first lockdown.

With so many people collaborating and connecting, it means new networks are being built that didn’t exist before , reinforcing the social cohesion of the city and including older adults in all aspects of everyday life. And when one Neighbourhood Radars helps another to form, and so the network of networks is propagated. Watch this video to learn more about Radars!

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Jean Luis at barcelona@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 11 - VANCOUVER - SAFE SENIORS, STRONG COMMUNITIES

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 21:02:00 GMT

Darien and Teddy live in Comox, a small island town of 15,000 residents located off the coast of British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Through the United Way’s “Safe Seniors, Strong Communities” initiative, Darien and Teddy have their groceries delivered, receive hot meals three times a week and enjoy regular check-in conversations by phone. Due to their existing health conditions, it would be extremely difficult for them to have access to these necessities if it weren’t for the Safe Seniors program.

Teddy expresses deep gratitude for the volunteers who assist the couple with great care and empathy—and especially appreciates that the grocery and meal drop-offs help them to maintain a sense of independence while remaining safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Darien looks forward to the check-in phone calls and depends on them for a sense of routine and connection. These interactions make it far less frightening to stay physically distant. They hope that when help is no longer required they will be able to remain friends with the volunteers who assist them.

The Concept

This program was developed in less than two weeks during the first wave of COVID-19 in order to provide older adults with food, prescriptions, conversation and other basic needs.

In order to request assistance or indicate interest in volunteering, participants simply dial 2-1-1 from any telephone to speak with a representative. Their information is then distributed to one of 24 hub agencies across the province that match volunteers with the seniors who need them most.

The Result

Since March 2020 over 470,000 older adults have been served across British Columbia. More than 8,500 volunteers have participated in the program. The average age of the new volunteers is 36 , which is significant because in the past more than half of those donating their time were seniors themselves.

In the first three months of the program over 90,000 acts of volunteerism were performed, including more than 50,000 virtual visits and check-in phone calls, 14,000 meals prepared and delivered and nearly 11,000 grocery drop-offs. Learn more about the initiative here and get involved by visiting www.bc211.ca .

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Angela at vancouver@aging2.com with any questions.

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DAY 10 - PARIS - LA POSTE

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 20:46:48 GMT

On a quiet Thursday morning Anne Moreau—a mail carrier for the French postal service La Poste—followed her route through the streets of Saint Suliac. As Anne stopped in front of the home of 85-year-old Valerie Dubois, she prepared to deliver more than just the post: she was there to provide friendship. Through the Veiller Sur Mes Parents (Watch Over My Parents) program, older adults like Valerie are visited regularly by postal workers to ensure they are healthy and happy.

Anne visits Valarie often, doing more than just dropping off mail. She chats with Valerie over coffee and cake, sends parcels to Valarie’s daughter, performs small tasks around the house and even picks up prescriptions.

After the two finished their conversation and said their goodbyes, Anne sent a short report to Valerie’s daughter in Paris. The message “Your mother is very well” with a photo of the cake they had shared was enough to assure Valerie’s daughter that her mother was in good hands.

The Concept

France’s postal service La Poste offers a program that allows postal workers to check up on aging relatives. Through Veiller Sur Mes Parents (Watch Over My Parents), one to six visits can be scheduled each week.

Visits last about 10 minutes, enough time for a chat and check in. After the visit, family members are updated on how their loved one is doing. The postal worker also prints and delivers a monthly personalized newsletter made from family messages and photos.

The Result

Over 6,000 seniors between the ages of 82 and 98 are using the service across France with almost 12,000 customers reached in the past year. It is especially popular in rural areas, as the children living in cities can’t easily access their parents to ensure their health and safety.

Since the beginning of COVID the number of users has more than quadrupled, and new customer satisfaction is 87% positive. The program has been extended to include additional services like meal delivery, accessing cash, and delivery of personal protective equipment. In a national poll 90% of participants consider the program an important offering of La Poste. Visit www.laposte.fr/particulier/veiller-sur-mes-parents and watch the videos to learn more!

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Gabriel at paris@aging2.com with any questions about this initiative!

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DAY 9 - LISBON - LATA 65

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 19:50:23 GMT

Louisa is a 65-year-old makeup artist who was introduced to LATA 65 by her daughter. Louisa had been interested in urban art for a while, so when her daughter discovered a street art workshop specifically for older adults she was excited to sign up. Not only was it a way to learn a new art technique, it was an opportunity to fight age stereotypes by exploring an art form that is often associated with ‘the younger generation’.

LATA 65 works to crush those stereotypes. According to Luisa, “Lata means ‘can’ and 65 refers to people’s age. It also means that you have the nerve to take a can of paint and spray a message on a public wall. I have seen so many older people in these LATA 65 sessions who are my age or much older. When they begin to paint, their faces light up.” Louisa’s group, the Graffiti Grandmothers, showcase their art all over Lisbon, Portugal.

Louisa shares the lessons she has learned from this experience to those around her. “I tell my grandchildren that the only way to learn is to practice. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something at your age and that you’re less because you are old. On the contrary, you are more.”

The Concept

LATA 65 is an Urban Art Workshop for Seniors. It takes a group of young at heart seniors and teaches them an exciting new skill: graffiti. Assisted by urban artists, participants are taught the history and craft of graffiti, including technical terms and techniques. The group then heads to the streets to find the perfect wall to exhibit their new skills and ideas.

The Result

LATA 65 has successfully held 46 sessions across Portugal, Spain, Brazil, the US and the UK since 2012. Over 560 students have attended the workshops, the oldest artist 102 years old.

Founder Lara Seixo Rodrigues notes, “The enthusiasm shown by our participants has been breathtaking. We keep observing that this project invites the participants to actively involve themselves from head to toe, awakens their forgotten creative spirit and above all, brings them feelings of pure fun—which is essential at any age. ”

You can support this wonderful initiative by purchasing LATA 65 merchandise. The revenue from these sales funds workshops and allows groups like the Graffiti Grandmothers to overcome age stereotypes. Visit www.mistakermaker.org/shop to purchase!

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Ana at lisbon@aging2.com with any questions!

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DAY 8 - ROME - FANFAROMA

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 19:37:53 GMT

It is 6 p.m. in Rome, Italy. Windows and doors begin to open as the Rome Historical Center neighborhood prepares for what the natives call “antiviral flash mobs.” People of all ages gather on terraces and balconies to join their voices and instruments in song—the perfect way to express their love of Italian music and sense of community despite the strict COVID-19 lockdowns.

This evening, 70-year-old Laura plays the Italian song “Volare” on her violin while her neighbor Roberto accompanies her on his bass guitar. And it’s not just the neighborhood that benefits from these informal musical collaborations. Videos like the one shared by Maruizio Marchini’s wife of him singing “Nessun Dorma” have been seen be millions across the world.

Despite the lockdown, people across Italy have found a way to come together as a community by joining their voices and musical instruments— proving that social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation.

The Concept

It all started with a Facebook invite by the Italian brass orchestra Fanfaroma. Their goal was to create a countrywide concert that everyone could participate in. They invited their fellow Italians to join in by playing a musical instrument, singing along or even just spectating from their windows and balconies. From Rome to Siena to Naples, neighborhoods across Italy joined in to create a collective concert that united communities and inspired the world.

The Result

The thousands of Italians who participated in the original “antiviral flash mob” and the many communal music events that followed proved that connections can be made despite strict lockdowns. These 15 minute concerts that begin with music and end with shouts of “buona sera” (have a nice evening) give the neighborhoods something to look forward to each day. When movement and resources are limited, communities can come together and support each other through shared interests.

What began as a simple invite evolved into a global movement. The viral videos of Italians who participated inspired people around the world to follow suit, proving that making music together can connect the world. See a community concert in Italy and Germany !

Ambassador Endorsement

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DAY 7 - CAMBRIDGE - CAPTAIN TOM

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 19:30:13 GMT

“There are so many people who are looking the wrong way. It is time to look forward to when things will get better. And they will. Never doubt it: tomorrow will be a good day.”

With these words, Captain Tom Moore hoped to support those struggling on their own while combating loneliness. Seeing his wife Pamela in a care home inspired him to start the Captain Tom Foundation. He said he visited her every day for five years until she died of dementia in 2006. “One day she said, ‘If you didn’t come and see me, I would be very lonely’”—this is a memory that struck a point in Mr. Moore’s heart. “Some residents of the care home never had a visitor and must have been very lonely. That’s what my foundation is for, to help lonely people and people in difficulties, not just old people.”

Being optimistic, whatever the trouble or grief , is a message that Captain Tom Moore, who has recently been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, wants to pass on to everyone in the world.

The Concept

Captain Tom Moore’s goal was to walk one hundred laps around his garden for his 100th birthday and to raise £1,000 for for the National Health Service. He planned to walk ten 25-meter laps per day.

The Result

Captain Tom’s ambition to raise money for the National Health Service (NHS) struck a chord with a country in lockdown.

An initial appearance on a national radio program snowballed into over 150 media appearances . Captain Tom increased his goal from £1,000 to £5,000 to half a million pounds. When his GoFundMe campaign ended he had raised over £32 million (in 3 weeks) for key workers in the NHS.

Since completing his walk he has had a national number one song (the oldest person ever), written a bestselling book and launched a charity to continue the good work. Needless to say, he was overjoyed to be knighted by the Queen for his selfless achievement.

And he had a very happy 100th birthday .

To learn more about the Captain Tom Foundation, visit www.captaintom.org , subscribe to the YouTube channel and check out this BBC article .

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Aaron at cambridgeuk@aging2.com with any questions!

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DAY 6 - LIMA - MOMENTS OF JOY

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 19:14:54 GMT

Nelly visited her son in the United States last year, but due to the COVID-19 lockdown she couldn’t return home to Lima as planned. She was eager to go back to her active and independent life in Peru—in part because, at the age of 83, she found an art expression program for older adults: Momentos de Alegría (Moments of Joy). The activities there allowed Nelly to fully express herself. By creating art, learning new topics and making new friends she felt active again.

While she was staying in the United States, Nelly’s son found out that the Peruvian art program was transferred online due to the pandemic and decided to surprise Nelly by signing her up for a collage art session over Zoom. Nelly could not believe her eyes—her beloved art program was right there, a click away from her. Eager to meet her friends online, she was motivated to learn how to use Zoom .

Nelly was not only able to reconnect with her old friends, but she made new ones online. She calls herself one of the most enthusiastic participants of Momentos de Alegría. “Life goes on, we cannot stop and watch it pass by.”

The Concept

‘Moments of Joy’ wants to prove that our creative abilities can be developed at any age . The program is also open for participants with dementia who express their emotions through different means of art, such as painting or handcrafting. The activities offered to older adults are based on a gerontologic perspective and participant feedback.

All sessions are run by experts in their fields, including: gastronomy, film making, drawing, the ancient Peruvian counting technique of Quipu, story writing, urban gardening, recycling, etc. Each activity session holds up to 25 participants who tour the art facility, go through the creative session, explain their pieces of art and share feedback. The goal is for each participant to enjoy their experience versus having the perfect end result.

The Result

The initiative’s organizers, art partners, film producers and the Peruvian Department of Culture, as well as others, marketed the program widely and reached over 350,000 people . Ten virtual workshops were run in 2020 and the lives of 285 older adults were impacted.

Lima's Call

Join our initiative and help expand the creative potential of older adults to enhance their wellbeing. We are looking for partners and sponsors so we can continue offering this great program through 2021.

Ambassador Endorsement

To get in contact with ‘Moments of Joy’ contact Maria Isabel ( lima@aging2.com ).

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DAY 5 - BRIGHTON - TTT BEFRIENDING

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 19:06:31 GMT

Time To Talk Befriending matches volunteers (“Befrienders”) with older people for mutually rewarding, long-lasting friendships. The results are in the testimonials:

“I used to think, why would a young person like Robyn want to talk to me? But now I realize we do have things in common! This is the loveliest thing that has happened to me this year and I cannot speak highly enough about the whole experience.” - Valerie, 86

“Knowing that someone cares - that’s all you need. Otherwise, it’s a very lonely existence.” - Jean, 91

“Invisible… yes, invisible - that’s what I was before. Richard, my befriender has helped me feel alive again! I have my purpose.” - Martin, 77

“My life felt over. I didn’t think I could make new friends at my age. It’s wonderful!” - Muriel, 89

“I would rather go without food than my befriender.” - Arthur, 89

The Concept

Volunteers (“Befrienders”) are matched with an older adult to alleviate loneliness and social isolation. The project has grown to specialize in dementia inclusive befriending and chaplaincy.

Volunteers are recruited from a college program which trains and finds placement opportunities every academic year for 150 young volunteers . The skills and experiences gained by these young volunteers readies them for the jobs of the future.

The Result

520 befriending matches between volunteers and older adults. The average age of participating members is 82 years while the volunteers range in age from 20-55. Current befriending matches equate to 30,000 hours of befriending each year .

During the pandemic the service almost doubled in size within a four month time period. Also the befrienders adapted to the health crisis - with one lady creating blankets for many in the community to keep them warm while meeting outside.

Become a befriender if you live in the Brighton UK area: www.tttb.org.uk/volunteers .

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Nicolette at brighton@aging2.com for an introduction!

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DAY 4 - STOCKHOLM - BIKEAROUND

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 18:53:17 GMT

82 year old Henrik lives in a Stockholm care facility and has used BikeAround five times in the last two weeks. While on the BikeAround Henrik literally cycles through his memories - traveling virtually through the locations and landscapes of his life while pedaling a stationary bike.

Speaking of his experience, Henrik said “I love this thing. It overwhelms me because here I am pedaling away like a little boy, traveling through my whole life in my mind. I can visit the places I’ve lived and the place I’ve loved. This experience is fabulous - going for a ride through my past is like time traveling.”

Riding the bike is also a social experience. As he cycles, Henrik talks to his caregiver or grandchildren and enthusiastically recounts memories of his life, often about his apartment building where the famous Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman was also raised.

Cycling through real places without leaving the home is a powerful way to recall memories and share experiences.

The Concept

BikeAround consists of a stationary pedaling and steering unit along with software that uses Google Street View. Using this system, riders can visit places all over the world. It was brought to life through a collaboration between a game developer and researchers at Halmstad University.

Riders are able to take a cycle ride based on their condition and ability. They can either choose where they would like to go or caregivers can prepare locations to ‘visit’ that have a connection to the Seniors’ life story.

The Result

250 BikeAround systems have been installed in 12 countries, with 20 regular users per bicycle. The facilities that house BikeAround shared that their residents are happy and calm after cycling. Additional research is also finding connections to improved balance, mobility and even the possibility of a reduced fall risk.

Camanio Care is interested is seeking partners and customers for their BikeAround product. Contact stockholm@aging2.com for an introduction.

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Catharina at stockholm@aging2.com for an introduction!

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DAY 3 - BERLIN - STIFT & PAPIER

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 16:40:14 GMT

Stift & Papier is a friendship project that connects letter writing volunteers with residents at care homes and hospitals. This volunteer-led project has received significant media attention in Germany, capturing the hearts and minds of many.

92 year old Edith lives at a retirement home in Altena, Germany. Her children live only an hour away and visit regularly - at least they did until the Covid-19 lockdowns began. Missing the connection with her family, Edith became very sad and lost her appetite. Worried about Edith and other residents, the facility director contacted Stift & Papier after learning about their initiative.

Edith soon received a letter from Daniela who lives in a small village in Southern Germany with her 7 year old son. Working with a caregiver at the retirement home, Edith was able to respond and express her joy at receiving the letter.

27 other residents of the facility have also received letters from many corners of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Currently more than 200 retirement homes and hospitals have joined the initiative. Because of the awareness around this project, writing and sending letters by hand has become a trend amongst younger generations.

The Concept

Stift & Papier is a volunteer-led initiative that aims to connect generations through the written letter. It was inspired by Hein Bollow, a famous jockey in Germany. When the lockdowns began he was unable to visit the Cologne racecourse, which he frequented on a daily basis. When friends at the course found out that Hein was sad they put out a call to the racing community asking them to send Hein a letter. The response was overwhelming!

Stift & Papier grew from this concept and connects people who enjoy writing letters with those who are most exposed, isolated and neglected by the pandemic.

The Result

During the first lockdown in Germany, more than 10,000 people registered to write letters. The Stift & Papier team has connected these writers with residents of retirement homes and hospitals across Germany. Within 9 months the number of letter writers has doubled to more than 20,000. Media personalities and sports stars love the initiative and have helped to raise its national profile. Over 8,400 people follow the Instagram account @einstiftundpapier.

Stift & Papier is founded and run by volunteers who are now working to scale the project. They are seeking partners in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for collaboration, sponsorship and volunteer assistance to continue the program in 2021. To learn more about Stift & Paper check out this video and visit www.stiftundpapier.org .

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Gaelle at berlin@aging2.com with any questions or to get in touch with Stift & Papier!

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DAY 2 - BOSTON - RENDEVER

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 16:19:13 GMT

The Rendever team invited the residents of a senior living facility to join a Google Streetview VR experience.

Rupert, one of the residents, asked if they could visit his hometown in Ohio. Specifically he wanted to visit his family home where he and his wife raised their two daughters. Rupert was able to walk around the outside of the house and share stories about the two chickens his daughters used to chase, the Tango-dancing neighbors, and everything he loved about his wife Jean. The whole room was in tears.

Rupert would typically sit outside the senior living home every Friday with a packed suitcase, waiting for someone to collect him to take him back home to Ohio. When the Rendever team followed up they were told by the facility management that Rupert no longer sat outside on Fridays. The VR experience had given him the ability to visit the house and relive the memories one last time.

Eat. Sleep. VR. Repeat.

Enabling Seniors to teleport wherever they dream to visit.

The Concept

Rendever is overcoming social isolation through the power of virtual reality and shared experiences. From senior living communities to hospitals, their platform is being used to reduce depression and loneliness by fostering personal connections amongst populations where life has become limited. Participants in group sessions can check off bucket list items together, revisit meaningful places, share stories, connect with each other and more.

The Result

200 senior living communities and hospitals currently use the Rendever technology in the US and Canada. Since 2016, nearly 800,000 experiences brought changes to many thousands of Seniors. Caregivers have described the change as going “from simply existing to suddenly feeling ecstatic, exuberant and eager to share memories and lifelong passions.” To learn more about the work that Rendever is doing check out this video and visit www.rendever.com .

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Tim at boston@aging2.com with any questions or to get in touch with Rendever!

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DAY 1 - VIENNA - VOLLPENSION

info@theceoc.com (CEOc Healthcare) — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:28:39 GMT

Recipe for Success

Imagine walking into your local coffeehouse and being greeted by a woman with a gentle smile who reminds you of your grandmother. She escorts you to your table and collects a children’s book to help occupy your children during the visit.

After ordering a delicious piece of cake hand baked by “Grandmother Marlene” and taken out of the oven by “Grandfather Karl”, you glance around and realize how much this beautiful cafe reminds you of your childhood. Looking over the rim of your coffee as you nibble on your poppy seed confection you see visitors of every age at the cafe, filling it with life and connection.

Because ‘connecting generations’ is the unspoken motto of this fabulous coffee house concept, it’s not unusual for strangers to strike up a conversation and part ways as friends when their mug is empty.

This cafe has a recipe to fight loneliness while inspiring and delivering positive impact.

The Concept

Welcome to the intergenerational café Vollpension (which translates to ‘Full board’) in Vienna. This social establishment was developed to fight loneliness and poverty amongst older adults in the city of cake (& music). Vollpension employs, empowers and connects a growing community of seniors in Vienna and welcomes over 200,000 guests each year from around the world.

The Results

Older adults bake cakes and host the guests while their millennial peers take the lead on operations, sales and marketing. Before COVID-19 this charming intergenerational coffeehouse was serving over 90,000 pieces of cake per year. During the recent lockdowns Vollpension pivoted to an online store model, delivering cakes in Vienna. They also offer cooking accessories and instructional Youtube baking lessons.

The Next Step

A franchise business model. Vollension want to connect generations in coffee houses in every neighborhood around the world! Check out their their online store or inquire about a franchise. Help this wonderful concept thrive! Visit www.vollpension.wien and subscribe to their Youtube channel here !

Ambassador Endorsement

Contact Daniela at vienna@aging2.com with any questions or comments or to get in touch with Vollpension!

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