Is Silicon Valley Missing the Mark on Aging??
Farhad Manjoo wrote a thought provoking opinion article in the New York Times on the incredible potential to unlock an AgeTech fuelled Longevity Economy.?
However, Silicon Valley, hailed as the harbinger of the future, can be quite myopic when it comes to appreciating and serving the needs of older generations.?
Farhad sheds light on the Valley's failure to grasp the significance of catering to an aging demographic, despite the fact that older individuals hold the keys to a substantial portion of consumer spending.
Highlighting Mark Zuckerberg's reluctance to embrace the growing population of older Facebook users, he calls out the tech industry's ageism problem.
The article emphasizes the enormous untapped potential for technology to improve the lives of older adults and their entourage, with innovations that enhance participation, increase independence, improve wellbeing and reduce the caregiver burden. Farhad also cautions that technology needs to be considered in a holistic and humane manner to fully address deeper societal and economic challenges.?
Ultimately, he says, there is much more to aging than illness, pushing the industry?to think beyond a narrow, stereotyped idea of what aging is, to innovate for this burgeoning market and consider creating enjoyable, engaging tech solutions for older generations.
AgeTech Capital , Pascale Audette , Lyne Landry, ICD.D , Bruce B. Simpson , Sarah Thomas , #longevity #economy #participation #agency #demography
CEO, Mitrix.Bio
1 年As someone who works in Silicon Valley, and is working on an aging technology, I can confirm that the "aging technology field" has strangely few old people in it! While this might seem trivial, it's actually a significant issue. Young people are focused on slowing or delaying aging (and age-related diseases). Elderly (65+) people want to REVERSE aging and related diseases. These two goals can lead in very different directions.
Midlands Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year. Doctor aiming to prevent our loved-ones from falling at night. Developer of Bide. Co-host of All Inclusive Solutions Podcast
1 年Very much agree Alan MacIntosh. The challenges of ageing and agetech are multi-contextual and not just about one solution fits all. Hopefully Bide can play a part!
Communities Director - ECHAlliance
1 年Is isnt just tech or big tech that has the problem - it is us - me and you. We have an ageism problem - the tech industry is no different than us . Our language, labels, our stereotypes, our barriers are theirs. We need to change just as much as them.
Socio-explorateur adepte de décélération, du répit et de la nature. NUMANA ~ Macroaccélérateur écosystèmes tech pure et modèles émergents - Focus: les enjeux de santé territoriale et populationnelle
1 年Ian Spero Francois Borrelli Andy Bleaden Viviane Poupon Brain Canada Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging
Socio-explorateur adepte de décélération, du répit et de la nature. NUMANA ~ Macroaccélérateur écosystèmes tech pure et modèles émergents - Focus: les enjeux de santé territoriale et populationnelle
1 年The actual title of this amazing opinion from journalist Farhad Manjoo is ''What Mark Zuckerberg Doesn’t Understand About Old People'' Thank you for sharing Alan MacIntosh. I have myself been sharing this article to the ecosystems in Europe and here in Québec-CAN adressing ageing challenges in our ageing society. So please to all, do the same. And, do whatever is in your power & influence to truly engage in this ''elephant in the room'' conversation & actions needed regarding our ageing society. A must see: The Blue Zone documentary.