A Business Model for Productive Successful Aging in Place in Rural Maine

By 2020, fully one quarter of Americans will be over 60. Some 77 million Baby Boomers ages 42 to 60 are just beginning to face this critical juncture in their lives. In Maine, the oldest state in the nation, some people, due to lack of planning, may leave their homes and enter assisted living facilities or nursing homes at a huge economic and social cost to themselves, their heirs and public resources. Until now, little attention has been focused on proactive planning technological tools and services that empower people to remain in their homes (age in place) or plan for their desired futures as aging adults. This Phase II proposal develops innovative software and planning processes that help individuals, couples and families create a unique vision and implement a customized and desirable whole life plan (Copyright) for their own aging. A multidisciplinary research team will implement Global Wellnesss Phase II Pilot Study: (1) continue to develop the software and planning services and tests them with three distinct market segments among Maines adult population, (2) develop a thorough understanding of institutional customer needs in reference to their employees, clients and customers, (3) develop business processes and support materials for delivering the software and planning services, and (4) further refine the Global Wellness business model. Commercial applications are anticipated in the career centers (seasoned workforces), military (base closures and transitioning), private companies (elder benefits packages), financial service industry (client relations and retention), as well as direct sales to individuals.