Tag: tech

QUOTES

“This industry, the age-related technology industry, is filled with people who have struggled to care for their own parents. All of those people have a story.” (Laurie)

“Why are we still thinking about fall detection when we could actually do fall prevention?” (Laurie)

“The customer barely thinks about the problem they have right now. It’s up to the resellers and the tech companies to seek others.” (Laurie)

“Strength training is extremely important as you age. The ability to get out of a chair without holding the arms of a chair—that’s what keeps you from falling down.” (Laurie)

“AI can help people be proactive.” (Laurie)

“People want to connect to their family members, and it’s not going to work if you have the kind of cell phone that doesn’t have a screen.” (Laurie)

“Nobody wants to be in that situation again. Devices and technology training should become part of the aging experience.” (Laurie)

“The value exceeds the fear. It’s time for people to make a trade-off and seize the day.” (Laurie)

“Appreciate older people when you’re young.” (Laurie)

NOTES

Laurie Orlov is a leading authority on aging and technology, with over 15 years of experience. She founded Aging and Health Technology Watch to analyze the intersection of innovation and senior care, inspired by personal caregiving challenges with her mother and mother-in-law.

Aging and Health Technology Watch provides strategic insights into the tech market focused on aging. Offering advice, reports, and thought leadership, it helps companies develop solutions that enhance the independence and safety of older adults, advocating for integrated technology suites.

Laurie’s company arose from a gap she identified in the market during 2008-2009. The company now advises tech firms and investors, emphasizing forward-thinking solutions over crisis-driven technologies. Laurie also critiques the slow market adoption of integrated platforms for older adults’ needs.

Laurie described the path to her current role, motivated by personal experience in caregiving and a lack of existing resources.

She observed that many in the age-related technology space are driven by personal caregiving struggles.

Laurie encourages tech integration, emphasizing suites rather than standalone products for comprehensive elder care solutions.

She advocates for the inclusion of older adults in tech design processes to ensure products meet user needs effectively.

Laurie argued against age-specific technologies, instead promoting adaptable, universally designed tech solutions.

She highlighted the pandemic as a catalyst for increased tech adoption among older adults, urging further progress.

Laurie’s discussions highlighted AI’s potential in transforming proactive senior care and operational efficiencies.

Emphasizing the importance of training and awareness, Laurie advocates for overcoming barriers to tech adoption among seniors.

AI is rapidly reshaping the digital marketing landscape, and few people are better equipped to break it down than Zack Collevechio, Senior Data Scientist at WildFig and Pavone Group. In this week’s Roundtable, Zack explored how artificial intelligence is transforming everything from SEO strategy to paid search execution. 

He walked attendees through the shifting terrain of search behavior, zero-click results, and how AI-generated overviews are upending the traditional rules of engagement between content creators and search engines. With the line between organic and paid traffic blurring, organizations need to rethink how they measure success and capture value in a more intent-driven, conversational digital environment.

AI TRANSFORMS SEO STRATEGY

With AI advancing beyond keywords, SEO now focuses on understanding user intent and delivering conversational results. As AI becomes integral, adopting strategies that align with AI’s interpretative capabilities is crucial.

ZERO-CLICK SEARCHES REDEFINE TRAFFIC METRICS

AI-driven zero-click searches are rising, where users find answers directly in search results without site visits. This shift mandates new ways to measure engagement and brand visibility as traditional click-through metrics decline.

PPC’S STEADFAST ROLE IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Despite AI’s impact on SEO, PPC remains less affected as it targets decision-ready consumers. Integrating PPC with AI solutions like Performance Max campaigns ensures continued relevance and effectiveness.

OPTIMIZING DOMAIN AUTHORITY BEYOND SPENDING

While PPC spend might influence domain authority slightly, the real impact comes from established web presence, traffic, and high-quality backlinks. Building credibility with authoritative sources boosts trust with search engines.

EXPANDING SEARCH HORIZONS WITH AI PLATFORMS

As AI platforms gain traction as search engines, maintaining updated UTM tracking and leveraging industry tools to monitor AI-driven traffic becomes vital. Staying on top of these shifts ensures maximum visibility.

CONVERSATIONAL AND STRUCTURED CONTENT IS KEY

In the era of AI, crafting content that is both conversational and structured enhances accessibility and relevance. Ensuring AI can effectively interpret and present your content is essential for maintaining a strong web presence.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here.

On Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Tom Kamber, founder of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet, about how he’s helping older adults thrive through digital connection, education, and empowerment.

He discussed the evolution of OATS, the power of community-centered tech education, and how tools like smart homes, AI, and telehealth are reshaping what it means to age well in the digital era.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE OLDER ADULTS TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (OATS) AND SENIOR PLANET?

I started OATS 20 years ago, 21 years ago now. I’ve been a lifelong social activist. I got approached by an older woman who asked if I would help her learn the internet. And one thing led to another, she used to come to my office on Monday mornings with her breakfast and a napkin, and we would do an hour. I realized there’s kind of an open space here in the nonprofit world. So I started OATS.

WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAM YOU OFFER?

Our number one most popular class is a fitness class. The number one class by a mile is called Morning Stretch. Five days a week, gets like 500 or 600 people. The healthy aging part of this is the socialization of their physical activity, their communication around their health. It’s really unleashed an opportunity for people to think about their health in a social context.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MYTH ABOUT OLDER ADULTS AND TECHNOLOGY?

The biggest myth is that people can’t learn. Ageism is one of the last accepted prejudices. Learning technology is like a language, and if you are learning a new language, there’s a time where you’re learning the grammar and the words.  

WHAT POLICY BARRIERS STILL PREVENT OLDER ADULTS FROM GETTING ONLINE?

The big ones are clearly telecommunications reform. We know everybody needs internet. It’s not a luxury anymore. It should be like water and electricity. We also need to empower the service providers. Your veterans care, your library visit, your senior center—it should feel better because of the technology. And third is regulatory protection. Scams, AI misuse, insurance issues—people need protection and better policy.

QUOTES

“Senior living pretty much was a watered-down version of a hospital. Nobody had a choice as to when they got up or what they ate. The biggest change has been around person-directed care.” (Larry)

“When I arrived at UMC, we didn’t even own a server. We really did start from the ground up.” (Larry)

“Once the staff really got a taste of how it could impact their quality of life as caregivers, it became self-fulfilling. They became owners and advocates.” (Larry)

“AI is really the wave of the future. If we don’t jump on board at the beginning, we’re going to get left at the curb.” (Larry)

“It’s just not normal to live with 25 other strangers in a locked ward. That’s what pushed us to create something different with Avandell.” (Larry)

“Most places are treating the symptoms of dementia, not the distress that’s causing the symptoms.” (Larry)

“Pain is the number one thing that is underdiagnosed in people who have dementia. Sometimes a Tylenol once a day can change everything.” (Larry)

“Our mantra at UMC was always: Know thy resident.” (Larry)

“We want to live the life we love, or love the life we live. That goes for residents and their families.” (Larry)

“Dealing with dementia is not a hopeless situation. There can be joy in it.” (Larry)

“Don’t be so afraid. Keep moving ahead. Try things. Fail quickly. Move on.” (Larry)

NOTES

Larry Carlson is the retired president and CEO of United Methodist Communities, bringing more than 45 years of leadership and innovation to the senior living industry. During his tenure, he championed tech integration, person-directed care, and a more humane approach to dementia support.

United Methodist Communities (UMC) is a New Jersey-based senior living organization offering independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. UMC is known for its values-based approach and commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults through innovation and compassionate care.

Under Larry’s leadership, UMC built a tech infrastructure from scratch, implemented AI tools in operations and HR, and reimagined memory care through Avandell, a dementia village inspired by the Dutch Hogeweyk model. His book, Avandell: Reimagining the Dementia Experience, reflects his commitment to transforming the narrative around aging and dementia care.

The industry has shifted from institutional care to person-directed care, with more choice, autonomy, and respect for individual preferences.

Technology transformed UMC from the ground up, enabling faster, smarter processes across departments—from admissions to HR onboarding.

AI was a game-changer, reducing administrative tasks and freeing up staff to focus on what matters most: resident experience.

Carlson advocated for failing fast and learning quickly, pushing senior living to be more innovative and less risk-averse.

The creation of Avandell was a response to institutional dementia care models, aiming to normalize life for residents through smaller households and daily autonomy.

Treating the source of distress, not just symptoms, became central to UMC’s dementia care philosophy.

Indoor air quality is a critical but often overlooked element of resident wellness, especially in light of the pandemic.

Virtual family meetings during COVID revealed new ways to strengthen communication, with higher participation and improved transparency.

Roland Park Place is a Life Plan Community located in the historic Roland Park neighborhood of Baltimore, Maryland. It’s the only not-for-profit CCRC in the city and one of the most innovative communities in the nation. It was also recently named the sixth best CCRC in the nation by Newsweek.

Recently on our weekly Roundtable we were joined by Roland Park Place VP of Operations Kiril Apostolov. Kiril gave us a closer look at Roland Park Place’s use of technology and the innovative spirit that makes his community great.

Here are some highlights from that conversation. 

ENHANCING RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Kiril shared some impressive ways technology supports the mission at Roland Park Place. A visitor management system, powered by QR codes, makes check-ins seamless for family and friends while also providing a unique “love meter” feature. This tool helps staff track resident engagement, allowing them to identify who might need extra attention. 

They’ve also introduced robots to assist in dining operations. But these aren’t intended to replace staff—they’re there to handle routine tasks so associates can focus on building personal relationships with residents, which Kiril emphasized is the heart of what they do.

STREAMLINED SYSTEMS FOR BETTER LIVING WITH ICON

To make things easier for everyone, Roland Park Place has integrated its work order system and dining reservations into one resident engagement application called ICON. Residents no longer have to juggle multiple systems; everything they need is in one place. This streamlined approach even extends to user-friendly features like large, clear navigation boxes that eliminate the frustration of endless scrolling.

PRIORITIZING SAFETY WITH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Safety is important at Roland Park Place. Supported by tech innovations like a Wi-Fi-enabled appliance system that shuts off appliances if no motion is detected in the kitchen, a cloud-based emergency communication system (AlertMedia) that allows residents to receive information in their preferred format via landline, text, or email, and wireless pull cords. Preventing hazards and allowing residents to age in place is a top priority. 

INCREASING ENGAGEMENT THROUGH REAL-TIME UPDATES

ICON has revolutionized how residents stay connected. Instead of relying on bulletin boards, paper calendars and flyers, residents receive real-time updates and reminders directly to their devices. Whether signing up for a trip or joining a digital social group, the app provides timely notifications, boosting participation in activities and community events.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Katie Griffith and Bright Solutions work hard to empower senior living communities to unlock the full potential of their technology. Katie was also a recent guest on Varsity’s weekly Roundtable, where she shared some ideas for holiday tech gifts for residents and their loved ones.

Here are some highlights from that conversation. 

GIFT GUIDES CAN SHOW OFF A COMMUNITY’S COMMITMENT TO TECH

Communities are encouraged to consider creating a tech gift guide as a fun and engaging way to connect with residents and their loved ones during the holidays. Beyond being helpful, the guide provides an opportunity to highlight the community’s tech-friendly environment and show that it’s prepared to support modern devices. 

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A GIFT GUIDE

If creating a tech gift guide for loved ones and residents, it’s helpful to focus on practical, popular devices that residents can easily adopt and enjoy. Katie emphasized the importance of compiling a thoughtful list, which might include categories like streaming devices (such as Roku or Fire Sticks), iPads, smartphones, and smart home gadgets like thermostats or voice assistants (Alexa, Google Hub, or Apple devices). Wearable health trackers, including Fitbits and Apple Watches, also make great additions for those interested in fitness and health monitoring.

HELP RESIDENTS GET ACQUAINTED WITH NEW DEVICES

Katie suggested hosting events shortly after Christmas to help residents get acquainted with their new gadgets. These gatherings can combine social time with tech assistance, inviting residents to bring their devices while enjoying snacks and coffee. Having tech staff available to answer questions and provide hands-on support ensures a smooth integration of these tools into daily life.

Varsity’s Roundtable is a weekly virtual gathering of senior living marketers and leaders from across the nation. For updates about future weekly Roundtable gatherings, submit your name and email address here. 

Over the past two decades, the senior living industry has witnessed remarkable changes driven by technology and data. From improving operations to enhancing resident care, these advancements have transformed the way we serve aging populations. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) presents an even greater opportunity to reshape the future of aging services. 

AI isn’t just another technological trend; it is a transformative force that has the potential to improve every aspect of retirement living—from resident experience and wellness to sales, marketing, and operations. But achieving this transformation requires a clear, strategic approach. 

Varsity and the data scientists at Pavone Group’s data and analytics firm, WildFig, have watched this digital transformation unfold and have tracked the rise of AI over the past few years. Together, we’ve partnered with clients to embrace this innovation, helping them leverage AI to enhance decision-making and drive operational efficiency. 

Here’s a closer look at how the process we use to make that happen:  

THE AI ROADMAP: A PROVEN PROCESS FOR TRANSFORMATION 

Before an organization or community can truly embrace AI, we first need to develop a roadmap that aligns with their mission and strategic goals.  

1. ENGAGE LEADERSHIP THROUGH INTERVIEWS – We start by sitting down with your executive team to uncover key challenges, opportunities, and goals. AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution; understanding your organization’s unique needs ensures that AI initiatives are both practical and impactful.
2. MAP WORK PROCESSES – Using the insights from leadership, we map out workflows across departments. By identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for automation or enhancement, we lay the groundwork for targeted AI applications.
3. IDENTIFY PILOT PROJECTS – Pilots are critical for demonstrating quick wins and building organizational buy-in. Whether it’s optimizing sales pipelines, improving operational efficiency, or personalizing resident engagement, we help you select and implement high-impact pilot projects.
4. GUIDE STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION – With the success of pilot projects, we support your organization in scaling AI initiatives across departments. The result? A cohesive, AI-enabled operation that enhances resident satisfaction, improves employee productivity, and drives overall organizational success. 

WHY NOW? 

AI is no longer a future concept—it is already transforming industries worldwide. For senior living, the stakes are high. Aging populations are growing, expectations for personalized services are increasing, and competition is fiercer than ever. Organizations that embrace AI now will be positioned as leaders, delivering unmatched resident experiences while optimizing their operations for long-term success. 

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD AI TRANSFORMATION 

Embracing AI is a continuous evolution that calls for thoughtful planning, clear priorities, and a commitment to change. With the right guidance and strategies, your organization can unlock its full potential, transforming the way you serve and support your community.

Got questions about AI and how your community can embrace it? Contact Varsity President Derek Dunham at ddunham@varsitybranding.com.