By: Greater Richmond Age Wave, Ambassadors of Richmond Aging2.0 Chapter
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​Last year’s pitch event served as the exciting launch of our Aging2.0 chapter, gaining the winning startup company regional acclaim and a prominent feature in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. This April 7 at Genworth, a Richmond startup will be headed to the big leagues on a whole new level.

Aging2.0’s Global Startup Search is a competition for aging-focused startups around the world to pitch their innovation and gain international exposure on a global platform. The winner of Richmond's local April 7 Pitch Event will:

• Receive a cash prize
• Be featured on the Aging2.0 website during the voting round
• Receive ONE free ticket to Aging2.0 OPTIMIZE (Oct 12-14) valued at ~$800
• Be featured at the Global-themed Reception on the evening of October 13

If the Richmond startup moves on to the next round of the competition, they receive the opportunity to pitch in front of 1000+ event attendees for $2,500 on October 13 (greater exposure for potential partnerships) and free exhibit space. Interested in participating? Fill out this form and select "Richmond" as the pitch location (directions below), or email info@agewellva.com. 

Join us at the Richmond Aging “2-Pint-0” on March 24 at Final Gravity to learn more about the Global Startup Search and the April 7 event. Network with innovators, industry leaders and make important connections. All interested in innovation for the aging and senior care space are welcome. 

In the news: "Contest dangles trip to startup mecca," Richmond Bizsense
​                     "Entrepreneurs to pitch ideas at Aging 2.0 event ," Richmond Free Press

About the Business for Life work group
The Business for Life work group, part of the implementation of the Greater Richmond Regional Plan for Age Wave Readiness, is chaired by Beth Ludden, Senior Vice President of LTC Product Development for Genworth Financial. The group brings together a network of businesses, professionals focused on aging challenges & services, VCU professors and students, and local providers focused on future services and products that appeal to a growing market of consumers. By considering key factors of physical environment, access to services, customer appeal, workforce, marketing and engagement, the Business for Life work group provides a platform to foster sound business practices and enhance profitability. As with all work group initiatives, these goals promote active aging, as well as engagement, livability, stability and wellness for all generations in the Richmond region.
 
For more information about the Greater Richmond Age Wave and/or to engage in our local movement email info@agewellva.com.

By: Dr. Tracey Gendron, Sara A. Link, and Dr. E. Ayn Welleford
*This blog was modified from a published article in the Senior Living Guide:  http://online.flipbuilder.com/upar/gakn/#p=28

Today, one of the most challenging and rapidly increasing health threats for at-risk older adults is social isolation. The season of Valentine’s is considered an ideal time to connect with friends and family, and to reach out to those who may be without a network of family and friends. The gift of personal- human touch through social interaction is a gift that provides meaning, purpose and the opportunity for spiritual enrichment.
 
According to an AARP 2012 study, social detachment is as bad for our health as smoking, and even worse than obesity. Isolation is the experience of diminished social connectedness- meaning a lack of connection measured by quality, type, frequency and emotional satisfaction of social ties (Elder & Retrum, 2012). The physical, mental and emotional effects of loneliness have consequences on our personal quality of life and for the wider community. In contrast, social engagement in meaningful activities is central to a healthy lifestyle and a key aspect to eliminating the negative impacts of isolation (Eakman, Carlson, & Clark, 2010; Power et al., 2007).
 
The causes of social isolation are varied and include: limited knowledge of opportunities for social interaction and resources; lack of transportation; feeling unsafe; and a void of meaningful activities or local events (Cornwell & Waite, 2009; Findlay & Cartwright, 2002; King, 2006; Rosenbloom, 2009). In addition, the environment and community where we live plays a significant role. For example, expanding communities can inadvertently create separations between where we live and the services and amenities we use for recreation and social engagement. Complicating this is often an inadequate transit system which restricts those with limited mobility or access to transportation even further (Buffel & Phillipson, 2012; Hayden, 2009; Day, 2006; Fobker & Grotz, 2006).
 
Increasing access to quality programs, services and organizations, help us to better connect as a society. This can be either digital (web-based) or in person- such as a meet up group, club or volunteer activity.
 
This Valentine’s season why not consider giving the gift of Engagement?  This can also mean understanding the local resources right at your finger tips through your local Area Agency on Aging.  The state of Virginia has 25 of them that service the entire Commonwealth. Here is how you find the one closest to you and your loved one: http://www.vda.virginia.gov/findservices.asp.
 
Even more importantly, this Valentine’s season, one of love and compassion, take an opportunity to reach out to your neighbors, colleagues or friends for a cup of tea or coffee, a catch up phone call or a to share a meal; give the gift of sharing yourself with someone else.