Aging Well, Aging Smart:
Rethink At-Home and Nursing Care

Have you asked yourself “What happens when I get older?” As we navigate life’s stages—balancing careers, raising families, and planning for retirement—it’s easy to overlook the significant challenge of aging and elder care. This issue is not just personal but a growing societal concern.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all baby boomers will be over the age of 65, meaning that one in every five residents will be of retirement age. (U.S. Census Bureau) This demographic shift highlights an increasing demand for elder care, putting pressure on an already strained healthcare system. Moreover, a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine emphasized that nearly 17.7 million adults in the U.S. provide care for an older adult with a disability, often with insufficient support, creating a national caregiving crisis that’s only expected to worsen. (National Academies Press)

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As the U.S. population ages, the inadequacies of our housing infrastructure become increasingly evident. Many homes were constructed during the baby boom era and have aged over time, but even new constructions often follow outdated designs meant for young families, lacking features that accommodate the needs of older adults. There has been insufficient investment in updating housing designs to support aging in place. This oversight extends beyond private residences to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, many of which are outdated and ill-equipped to meet the evolving needs of seniors.

Reimagining our living spaces with modern technology and thoughtful design can greatly improve the quality of life for older adults. Imagine the next generation of smart homes and care facilities designed with aging in mind: layouts that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, eliminate stairs, and have easily reachable cabinets. Integrated with emerging technologies like sensors and AI, these spaces could feature automated systems that monitor the environment to prevent hazards, such as unattended stoves, and communicate directly with healthcare providers for remote assistance. 

Envision entire smart neighborhoods designed with accessibility in mind.

However, venture startups, isolated solutions, and traditional business models are not sufficient to address this public goods challenge. We need the collective effort of policymakers, innovators, city planners, architects, real estate developers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, investors, and community members. It truly takes a village to create supportive, inclusive environments for the aging population.

Join us in making this vision a reality.