Innovations in Aging

Statewide innovations were the focus at the 2024 Aging Concerns Unite Us conference (ACUU). NYSOFA encourages all aging services providers to watch these videos and learn more about some of the tools available to help older adults in your community. 

We gave presenters an assignment: In 8 minutes or less, describe (or show) your program innovation, present outcomes data, and talk about how aging services providers can leverage each program innovation to best serve older adults. 

Want to learn more? Download the slidedeck with more information about each of these innovations. 

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Plush, "lifelike" animatronic pets designed to make realistic sounds and motions, providing comfort and companionship to individuals. NYSOFA has so far provided over 31,000 pets to older adults.

Ted Fischer, CEO and Co-Founder of Ageless Innovation, also speaks on partnerships with local aging and health services organizations to host “Reach Out and Play” events. These intergenerational game events are part of a national initiative that is bringing together generations for game play. Learn more about upcoming “Reach Out and Play” events here.

Caregiver awareness campaign, caregiver intensity index and service resource.

Provides organizations with easy-to-understand information and actionable insights; provides older adults with personalized recommendations to live well.

A digital engagement platform to improve older adults’ awareness and connection to community-based aging services. The platform is being used by several Area Agencies on Aging through a partnership with NYSOFA.

A program model integrating traditional community-based aging services with medical systems of care to positively affect the triple aim of cost, quality and patient satisfaction.

Interactive, live, virtual travel, allowing older adults to explore the world from the comfort of their own homes.

NYSOFA has partnered with Intuition Robotics to provide AI companion technology to older adults.

24/7 on-call nursing assistance, nutrition programs by certified nutritionists, and 24/7 ambulance service, plus interactive television studio for homebound older adults.

Online courses and communities that help older adults learn new skills and interact with others who share their interests. Through NYSOFA’s partnership, over 400,000 older adults have joined.

Utilizes voice recordings to create Life Story Books, Snapshots, and Action Plans for people living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia to ensure their stories are told.

Evidence-based, interactive step-by-step guides to help individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia (as well as their care partners) create healthy, sustainable habits to improve their daily lives.

Immersive, interactive multi-sensory videos and experiences that create a sense of calm, connection, and wellness for individuals with memory loss.

Connecting older adults and their families easily and safely through the use of the TV, including video calls, reminders, live classes and companionship.

Dementia products designed to bring calm and independence.

Evidence-based caregiver education and training portal, available free of charge for any caregiver in New York through a partnership with NYSOFA.

An online community that allows older and homebound adults to connect and engage with each other through virtual and hybrid classes.

Virtual care in the home using an innovative mobile app, from emergency level telemedicine to social programs.

Fitness programming for older adults based on the Science of Strength Training, consisting of small-group, interactive Zoom classes taught by live instructors.

Therapeutic TV for dementia patients, fostering connections, supporting daily activities, and soothing anxiety.