February 2025 Community of Interest Highlights
The highlights from our recent CI gathering on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, are as follows:
The participants discussed the following two key areas, providing valuable insights into the intersection of technology and housing for older adults. The discussion highlighted key challenges and opportunities in improving both the quality of life and accessibility for older adults.
Technology Adoption Among Older Adults
The discussion explored how older adults adopt technology for connectivity, learning, and therapy, highlighting significant variability in usage across different age groups.
Change management in technology adoption was emphasized, considering factors such as readiness for change, personality types, capacity building, and the role of social validation in long-term adoption.
The importance of social support in technology adoption was highlighted, stressing that technology should complement social, medical, and recreational aspects rather than serve as a standalone solution.
Privacy concerns and security were identified as major barriers preventing older adults from embracing technology.
Housing Solutions for Older Adults
The topic of housing solutions for older adults was raised by the participants, focusing on smaller-scale, inclusive neighborhood models.
The discussion centered on developing innovative, accessible housing solutions, leveraging research, partnerships with architects and developers, and creating sustainable, community-driven models for aging in place.
The possibility of converting school properties into senior housing was explored, with the Pine Crest project serving as an example.
Financing challenges and barriers in developing senior housing projects were discussed, emphasizing the need for strategic solutions to make such initiatives viable.
Please note:
The upcoming Community of Interest (CI) gathering is set for noon from 12 to 1 pm on March 20, 2025. We extend an invitation to anyone eager to participate in this session.