A Peek Into The Future At 3rd Annual SilverSource Autumn Breakfast

SilverSource hosted its 3rd Annual Autumn Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Stamford Hotel on October 17th.  The engaging event, which explored technological innovations that will help us all live better as we age, raised critical funds for older adults in need of financial assistance and community support in our area.  The annual breakfast event is the primary fundraiser for SilverSource, which serves older adults and their families in Fairfield County.

Over 225investors, entrepreneurs, and business and community leaders gathered to learn about innovations that will shape our near future in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and person-centric design, providing a peek into what things might be like for us all. 

“The response to this event was fantastic,” said Adele Gordon, SilverSource Board member and event Chair.  “It shows that innovation for the older adult community is a timely topic, and there is interest in using technology to help them live a better life.”

Driven by the size of the older adult market, which is 35% of the U.S. population and accounts for $7.6 trillion in annual economic activity, innovators and investors are creating new products and services that will connect us in new ways.

“Driverless cars are a game-changer,” said keynote speaker Crispin Baynes, Co-director NY Chapter of Aging 2.0.  “80% of retirees live in a car-dependent place.  What happens when you can’t drive anymore?” 

Baynes continued, “Robotics are coming.  There are simple versions available now, such as medication reminders.  In the future, they will do things like cleaning, and offer engaged conversations–they will be able to bridge the gap in human interaction.”

The SilverSource Awards were presented.  Contribution to Community Award winners included Roni Lang of Greenwich Hospital- Yale New Haven Health and Patricia Knebel of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging.  Jim Lisher of New Canaan received the Community Service Volunteer Award, and ElderHouse of Norwalk received the Outstanding Organization Contribution to Community Award, which was accepted by Denise Cesareo.

An interactive panel discussion followed the presentation, featuring Steven Kaufman, founder of Quikiks Hands-Free Shoes; Dr. David Saxe of Pace University and the Telehealth Innovation Program for Seniors; Crispin Baynes of Aging 2.0 and moderator, Steven Montano, President of Homewatch Caregivers.

SilverSource would like to thank its dedicated event committee and its generous sponsors: First County Bank, KAF, Yale New Haven Health/Greenwich Hospital, Mezzapelle and Associates, Plaza Realty, Purdue Pharma, and media sponsors Fairfield County Business Journal, Westchester County Business Journal and Stamford Magazine/Moffly Media.

SilverSource, formerly known as Senior Services of Stamford, was founded in 1908. It is an independent, nonprofit foundation that advocates for older adults and provides case management, emergency financial assistance and other services to positively improve the quality of life for people over age 60. In addition, SilverSource is an information resource center and referral source for older adults and their families. SilverSource, Inc., is a 501(c) 3, is located at 2009 Summer Street in Stamford, CT  06905. 

For more information visit www.silversource.org or call 203.324.6584.  

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Submitted by Cos Cob, CT

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