The Buzz

The TSF 2021 Innovation Award recognizes organizations that embrace the principles of human-centered design to improve the lives of older adults in California. Learn more and apply today!

In 2020, TSF acknowledged the depth of disruptive change, focused on resiliency through creativity, and remained committed to its mission. Read our annual report.

The TSF 2021 Innovation Award seeks to recognize organizations that engage older adults in developing and crafting products and services for older Californians. Learn more and apply by July 15!

The TSF 2021 Innovation Award recognizes organizations that embrace the principles of human-centered design to improve the lives of older adults in California. These could include a range of contributions, such as:

• Research with older adults to better understand their needs, wants, and preferences;
• Ideation and iteration with older adults in product, program, or service design

Learn more about the 2021 Innovation Award and apply today!

The Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ATI Advisory released a “Frequently Asked Questions” brief on new supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage. For more information, watch their latest webinars, Advancing Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits in Medicare Advantage: Part 1 and Part 2.

Apply now for the The John A. Hartford Foundation 2021 Business Innovation Award. The award recognizes community-based organizations for their strategic partnerships with health care entities serving older adults and people with disabilities. Nominations due by May 14, 2021.

Read Manatt Health’s updated resource guide, spotlighting how states are transforming long-term services and supports during COVID-19 and planning for the future.

A new analysis from ATI Advisory and the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) shows that more Medicare Advantage plans are offering Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) and with wider availability. Learn more about ways to advance new nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare:

• Explore a new data brief and chartbook on Medicare Advantage plan offerings in 2021.
• Hear new insights on opportunities for policymakers.
• Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of a webinar series and review the slides.
• Read the Roadmap for plan considerations and policy opportunities.

The field of complex care is creating models and innovative approaches to better serve people with complex care needs. Grantmakers in Aging released Creating New Connections: How Philanthropy Can Support Better Care for People with Complex Health and Social Needs, which summarizes key issues and includes case studies for funders to deepen their work.

Read Dr. Chernof’s latest Perspectives, which reflects on our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older. You can also now access all the Forum materials and recordings.

TSF celebrates DayBreak Adult Care Centers as this year’s Innovation Award winner! DayBreak is a member organization of our California Advocacy Network that has delivered initiative-driven leadership to improve the lives of older adults in California. Learn more.

Register now for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older on October 19-20! It will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more. Materials for our sessions are now available in the Forum Lobby.

• Wondering if you have time to join us? Check out our detailed agenda and read our attendee frequently asked questions.
• Use the Forum App to network and receive helpful notifications throughout the two-day event. Search for “The SCAN Foundation Forum” in the App store (Apple or Android) and select “Download.” The Forum App is totally free! You will need to log in using the email address you used to register for the Forum and sign up for notifications.

Our virtual lobby is now open for our 2020 Forum: Honoring the Journey of Growing Older! The two-day event, October 19-20, will include livestream plenaries, breakout sessions, performances, and more.

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20! Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more. Watch the video!

Register today for our all-virtual 2020 Forum on October 19-20! Our two-day event will include livestream plenaries, breakout discussions, performances, networking opportunities, and more. Watch the video!

With Alive Ventures, we aim to inspire and support leading entrepreneurs and innovators to gain better insights into what older adults want. Dr. Chernof discussed the opportunity with Grantmakers in Health.

Have you missed any of Alive Ventures’ Alive Live discussions on designing better products and services for aging? Check out and follow the YouTube channel.

TSF supported Village Capital to explore how startup companies can improve the design of products and services for older adults. The report found opportunities for innovation beyond health care needs – which is where most startups tend to focus – particularly considering designing for independence and community.

Join Alive Ventures as it further explores the topic Old People Are Cool, Design for Them Sucks with Greg Isenberg and Zack Onisko. This Friday, they’ll discuss establishing and nurturing vibrant older adult communities.

Join Alive Ventures as they continue to explore the topic Old People are Cool, Design for Them Sucks with Stefan Sagmeister and Robert Wong this Friday, May 29. This ongoing series looks at design and innovation with experts and emerging voices.

High-quality design has made its way into just about every category of products and services except for those serving the 55 million Americans that are age 65 and older. Attend a webinar this Friday with American researcher, professor, and author Don Norman.

Today at 10 am, PT, tune into AARP’s Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall on caring for family, friends, and neighbors during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They’ll talk about creating a care plan, coordinating backup care, staying connected to isolated loved ones, and accessing local resources.

In addition, check out the following:

• We’re sharing ideas on ways to cope with the near and long-term effects of the pandemic—because we are all in this together.
• Family Caregiver Alliance has compiled a list of resources and articles for caregivers and their loved ones.
• An article from Recode shares how older adults can use technology to stay healthy and connected during this challenging time.

• Old People Are Cool, Design for Them Sucks: High-quality design has thankfully made its way into just about every category of products and services…except for things made to serve Americans age 65 and older. Learn what TSF is doing to improve design efforts with older adults.
• Treating the Other 1% – Americans with Unmet Needs: One percent of people with complex care needs account for 20 percent of U.S. health care expenditures, and they often experience multiple medical and long-term care challenges. Join Dr. Chernof for a discussion on delivering better care to these individuals.

• Learn about TSF Initiatives.
• Review past e-blast content on The Buzz.
• Explore our Resources & Tools.

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on how artificial intelligence (AI) applications can support independent living for older adults and people with disabilities.