Press Releases

What is the Future of Independent Living for Older Adults?

NEW YORK (September 24, 2008) — As the Boomer generation grows older there is a critical need to develop innovative ideas and technology for independent living.

In effort to develop inventive solutions for living independently, the International Longevity Center-USA (ILC-USA) will bring together a unique group of thought leaders to envision the desired future of independent living for older people. The series is being funded with a research grant from Philips Electronics’ Home Healthcare business.

“One of the biggest fears of growing older is losing independence,” ~ Dr. Robert Butler, president and CEO of the ILC-USA.

“One of the biggest fears of growing older is losing independence,” says Dr. Robert Butler, president and CEO of the ILC-USA. “By 2025 one out of every five Americans is projected to be age 65 and older. As this new generation of older adults emerges we must put greater emphasis and resources into developing living environments that provide older people the ability to maintain their independence and enhance their quality of life into old age.”

Experts Will Create Vision of Ideal Aging-in-Place Environment

Leading experts on aging, public policy, consumer advocacy, health care, social work and technology will gather on September 24 and November 20. Drawing upon professional and personal experience, meeting participants will be asked to collectively draw up a detailed vision of an ideal aging-in-place environment. During the second conference, participants will address what stands in the way of creating the ideal environment and recommend how to address those challenges.

As a company that is focused on health and well-being, it was natural for Philips to partner with the ILC on this project,” said Ron Feinstein, President & CEO, Philips Lifeline. “It’s imperative to be prepared for the aging of our loved ones and ourselves, and technology can help make our lives easier and to receive the best care in the comfort of our homes as we age. The best way to reveal the core concerns with the issues involved is an open dialogue with thought leaders like those involved with the ILC.”

Experts participating in the conference series include:
Dr. Robert Butler, President & CEO, International Longevity Center-USA
Richard Cook, Partner, Cook + Fox Architects
Joseph Coughlin, Director, MIT Age Lab
Steve Edelstein, National Policy Director, PHI
Ron Feinstein, President & CEO, Philips Lifeline
Dr. Linda Fried, Dean, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
Dr. William Hall, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Rochester School of Medicine
Susan McWhinney-Morse, Founder and Chair, Beacon Hill Village
Dr. Jeremy Nobel, Professor, Harvard School of Public Health
Dr. Eric Rackow, President & CEO, SeniorBridge
Diane Hill Taylor, Senior Director of Livable Communities, AARP Mary Tinetti, Director, Yale University Program on Aging
Nat Yalowitz, President & CEO, NORC Supportive Services Center