Innovation center for aging opens in Kentucky

There’s a new place in where entrepreneurs for aging can hobnob and hangout.

The Thrive Center Inc. will host a ribbon cutting ceremony October 19 for its new Thrive Innovation Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The nonprofit’s new space will help further its mission to promote healthy aging and transform the quality of life and care for seniors.

“We are excited for the opening and encouraged by the collaboration and investment of key industry players,” said Sheri Rose, Thrive Center CEO and executive director. “Our passion will drive the Thrive Center, and we openly embrace innovation as the means to transform senior care as we know it today.”

The innovation center expects to host conversations and programs on senior care and serve as a place where entrepreneurs can engage with the senior care industry, researchers and consumers.  

The Center has chosen memory care as its opening theme. Entrepreneurs and innovators were challenged to create programming, technologies and products  focused on dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive fitness.

 The Thrive Center was founded by a coalition of local senior care organizations. Louisville is the world’s largest hub for aging care with companies producing more than $50 billion in annual revenues and employing more than 21,000 employees in the aging care community. Louisville is home to the corporate headquarters of national senior care companies such as Signature HealthCARE, Kindred Healthcare and PharMerica. Those organizations, along with local companies Hosparous Health, Nazareth Homes, Masonic Homes of Kentucky and Delta Dental of Kentucky, have all supported the Center.

“The Thrive Center positions Louisville, with our commitment to innovation in all areas, to be a national leader in the growing field of aging care,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Its emphasis on the power of collaboration between citizens, entrepreneurs, businesses and their government is a welcome addition to our community.”

More than 46 million Americans are age 65 and older, and the age bracket is expected to nearly double to 98 million by 2060.

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.