Pictured in the top row are Karen Feinstein and Paul Tang; middle row: Tim Abeyta and Maria Zamora; bottom row: Jim Pieffer and Kevin Hancock.
This month JHF launched Aging Made Simple, a six-session, invite-only virtual series designed to help frame the region’s response to major demographic shifts and position Pittsburgh as a model for healthy aging in and near home. Convening national innovators and regional leaders, the series explores practical strategies, including everything from technology and housing design to community-based social supports and integrated care models, to help older adults remain healthy, independent, and engaged in their communities.
The series began February 10 with remarks from Dr. Feinstein, who shared insights from study tours to Italy and Japan to advance perspectives on successful aging supports and the value of longevity hubs.
The first session of the series featured Maria Zamora, president and CEO of the Center for Elders’ Independence, highlighting best practice PACE models that keep people connected to comprehensive services where they live. Jim Pieffer of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network and stakeholder Kevin Hancock added perspectives on the state’s 10 year aging plan and the financial and regulatory challenges that would need to be navigated to bring a longevity hub to Pittsburgh.
The second session focused on technology and navigation. Glen Tullman, CEO of Transcarent, and Tim Abeyta, vice president at Transcarent, demonstrated digital tools that simplify care navigation, “wayfinding” and connection of older adults with tailored services. Garrett Grindle, PhD, associate director for engineering at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL), discussed assistive technologies and built-environment innovations that prevent falls and promote mobility.
Social connection and lifelong learning were also central themes in the series. Paul Tang, MD, of Stanford University’s Clinical Excellence Research Center and chief innovation and technology officer emeritus at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, presented linkAges, a model mobilizing neighbors and local resources to reduce isolation via reciprocity-based TimeBanks. Dr. Tang gave volunteer work an update with connections made through today’s technology. Dr. Feinstein, JHF Board member Debra Caplan, MPA, and Mary Anne Foley, RN, MSN, Jewish Association on Aging president and CEO, discussed visits to Lasell Village in Boston, and the value of various life-long learning models that satisfy the passion for learning and engagement on the part of today’s seniors.
The fourth session explored housing as a critical venue for health and healthcare services amid Medicare cost pressures and workforce shortages. Attendees were introduced to the Hospital at Home model, and Dr. Feinstein noted that her neighborhood already offers many healthcare programs in the home, including through UPMC and Squirrel Hill Health Center. She also highlighted the importance of workforce coordination, home design that balances safety with dignity, and “food as medicine,” including medically and culturally-tailored home-delivered meals.
Local experts Pamela Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA, Jonathan Pearlman, PhD, MS of the University of Pittsburgh’s Healthy Home Lab and Mayank Goel, PhD, of theHuman-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) in the School of Computer Science at CMU, discussed research currently underway in Pittsburgh to strengthen supports to keep aging persons in their homes and to provide them with support needed to be safe and thrive.
Aging Made Simple reflects JHF’s longstanding commitment to improving health outcomes across the lifespan by convening partners, informing policy, and piloting solutions that strengthen neighborhood supports. Upcoming sessions will continue connecting innovators, researchers, and local leaders to position Pittsburgh as a model for aging well.
