The importance of balance—on the dance floor & at home. Call it by any name you like: Universal Design, Visitable Design, Enabling Design, Accessible Design, Lifespan Design. It’s all about reducing and even eliminating the need to adjust yourself for your environment, regardless of age or ability. #StaySteady: Fall Prevention exercises https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/fall-prevention-exercises #StayStylish: Grab Bars https://www.pontegiulio.com/userFiles/Documents/Catalogue_USA/2025/General_NAM_cat.pdf

Can we all agree that our society needs a new narrative for aging? The one we have now—where life is imagined as a steep arc that peaks in midlife & then declines until the end — is outdated and completely detached from reality. We need to "Flip the Script" - Literally – from the Arc to the U - for a few reasons... 1 - U Curve of Happiness 2 - U for Universal Design 3 - U for Us We Flip the Script Not by denying the hardships, but By Expanding & Balancing out the conversation about aging and by learning to recognize limitations that are rooted in #ageism & not in aging. Using Ageism Awareness as a tool to empower older adults to Expand the choices they see for themselves & their futures & take the actions that will reduce falls, medical costs, and drive development in the Aging in Place market.

Here's what I got out of AgeTechLA: 1. Hively – "Retirement Concierge" An AI-powered retirement navigator that acts as a concierge through a texting chatbot (visual AI in the works), connecting retirees to resources, services, and educational events designed by a geriatrician. The platform’s Hive Affinity Groups match users with peers based on shared interests & create trusted connections. It’s $25/month for individuals, with business partnerships in the works. joinhively.com 2. The Loop Village – Guided Social Platform The Loop Village, calls itself a virtual “Wellness Hub” designed to combat isolation and build community through LIVE, guided classes, virtual travel, and social cafés. with a host guiding each experience. “Relationships sustain them,” says Margot Biane Merrick, founder. theloopvillage.com It’s available as a standalone platform and also integrates within the Onscreen communication hub. It’s being explored by some home care agencies and AAAs as a supplement to caregiving, using a per-member-per-month model. 3. Mercury Alert AI – Affordable Remote Monitoring Automates existing Wi-Fi cameras for overnight monitoring (good for dementia care). Their “Sit Up Alert” detects when someone sits up in bed—before they stand (or fall) —and offers two-way audio for real-time communication. It’s $100/month and currently deployed in San Diego homes. They’re also working toward health insurance partnerships for potential discounts. www.mercuryalert.ai 4. Embodied Labs – Empathy Through VR Embodied Labs: dedicated to improving care by building empathy - with VR experiences. They call their system "Actionable Empathy." VR goggles place users in the shoes of older adults/care recipients, simulating conditions like macular degeneration, hearing loss, and early dementia. Caregivers can practice responding to real-life challenges, make mistakes in a safe environment, and build decision-making skills. Experiential learning improves care quality & also reinforces dignity and respect—critical for promoting age-inclusive environments ((i.e - get past knee-jerk ageist reactions!) Their platform also offers video-based experiences without VR goggles. Reminded me of MITAgelab's Age Gain Now Empathy System, but Embodied Labs is so versatile (and way more comfy). embodiedlabs.com 5. Onscreen Inc. – Communication Hub for TV and Tablets Turns TVs and Tablets into communication hubs for telehealth, AI companionship, and online classes. They’ve expanded capabilities to Tablets, because some users say, "keep your hands off my TV" - they don't want to change something they know how to use. Access to The Loop Village & Pluto TV directly through the platform. Onscreen recently won a $25,000 prize from the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. onscreeninc.com

The "Zero Labor Home" is Robot-Ready! 🤖 How can @LG Electronics' NEW Q9 #robotassistant help #olderadults around the house? The answer's in the video - straight from the #robot’s mouth! So, what will #Q9 assist you with?

#BuildersShow Highlight Reel! 🏡✨ ❓Which product(s) deserve a Deeper Dive? From customizable grab bars to smart kitchen knobs & even a friendly robot assistant, #innovation is reshaping how we #AgeinPlace.

In our pursuit of promoting #UniversalDesign, effective messaging is paramount. Ageism & pervasive stereotype-driven marketing often fails to resonate with older adults. To combat this, we must think beyond ageist assumptions and present positive and empowering messages. GOAL: Communicate evidence-based enthusiasm for the possibilities and rewards of honest, positive methods to effectively reach different segments of the Aging in Place market. Get Ready: Your messaging is going to call upon you to be an active participant in changing the conversation about older adults, addressing ageism, intergenerational dynamics, investing in innovation & in dignity. ***This is a re-enactment of a speech originally presented at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders Show, February 27, 2024*** Please Share/Subscribe/Comment #IBS2024Speaker #positivityeffect #universaldesign #customizedaging #modifyormove #reframingaging #aginginplace #accessibility #NAHB #accessibleliving

Design with Accessibility in Mind! We’re living longer than ever, but what good are extra years if we can’t get through our own front doors? Housing must meet the needs and preferences of a growing population of older adults and people with disabilities, so we can broaden our markets, repair our housing supply and meet the needs of multiple generations. The demand, appeal and benefits of incorporating aging-in-place and Universal Design principles has never been greater. Prevents Falls Repairs Housing Infrastructure Broad Market Appeal Elegant Options WHO WILL BENEFIT? ONLY EVERYONE Consumers Builders, remodelers, manufacturers, distributors Healthcare & Homecare agencies & advocates Long-term care insurance industry Technology companies Home accessibility designers, manufacturers, distributors & installers Hospitals and health care providers Real Estate professionals Community service providers Trade groups, business, agencies Non-profits Politicians & Elected officials

Which #AginginPlace #HomeModification is finally getting the recognition it deserves? The results are in! From the National Association of Home Builders Home Remodelers Index Survey https://www.nahb.org/blog/2023/05/top-aging-in-place-remodeling-projects#:~:text=Grab%20bars%20are%20the%20most,%2Ftask%20lighting%20(49%25) Let’s keep spreading the word about the beauty and function of Universal Design! We are engines with the power to prolong each person’s independence in the homes they love. #universaldesign #reframingaging #aginginplace #customizedaging #modifyormove #accessibility #longevitylifestyle #NAIPC #NAHB #foreverhome #accessibleliving #enablingdesign #infinitedesign

"Unknown Design" - Universal Design Options “Because most homeowners only explore Universal Design when there’s a specific need, the World of Options is largely unknown.“ -National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Blog It’s quotes like these that inspire videos like this – to build awareness of the benefits and beauty of Universal Design. We need to design and maintain housing that takes into account the needs, abilities, and preferences of all individuals, to enable full participation and optimal quality of life for everyone. Are you an Advocate for Universal Design? Find out More about Tax Incentives for Accessible Home Modifications email customizedaging@gmail.com for info