Sector celebrates opening of Global Centre for Modern Ageing

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall launched the Centre which has been established so people, businesses, researchers and Governments can work together to seize the opportunities of modern ageing.

Mr Marshall highlights that the Centre is the leading organisation operating in this space not only nationally, but more broadly in the Southern Hemisphere, and is among the best-in-class globally.

“We want all residents to live purposeful lives, enjoy good health and thrive in the wonderful environment we have here in South Australia,” he says.

“The Global Centre for Modern Ageing will play a key role in this.

“Through market development, partnerships, research and learning, the Centre will help businesses, organisations and individuals to devise, build and commercialise products and services that enable people in their 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and more to live and age well.”

The Centre’s Chair, Raymond Spencer acknowledged its built in living laboratory (LifeLab) – a nation-leading, testing and innovation facility which he says allows people in their 60s and older to co-design products and services with businesses in as close possible to a ‘real life’ environment.

He also notes that the Global Centre was “off to a great start” with a commissioning phase proving it is now open for business.

“Modern Ageing recognises that there is a fundamental shift in how we live today,” Mr Spencer explains.

“Instead of working until retirement and then becoming ‘old’, in modern ageing our lives play out in phases.

“Each phase creates a new and different opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful way – through work, learning, enterprise, leadership and community.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing, Julianne Parkinson highlights that the expected growth in Australians aged over 65 over the coming years “represents a enormous opportunity” for Australia,

“We are here to give an edge to businesses wanting to gain early-mover advantage in developing products and services which truly meet the wants and needs of people,” she explains.

“The sheer size of the market, changing preferences and consumption patterns as evidence by the data (both in Australia and overseas), should excite the business community to invest time to understand this new and dynamic set of consumers which is creating opportunity for people of all ages.

“Gaining a considered and informed view will equip entrepreneurs to target the vast array of wants and needs that the market has not yet fully recognised.”

She says people are looking for more and better choices such as flexible arrangements that allow them to continue to participate as workers or volunteers for longer, meaningful social activities and more nutritious, tasty food, adding that the Centre will “lead businesses in identifying and meeting these market opportunities”.

As well as the work of its flagship LifeLab, the centre will provide a range of services including:

• Mapping and understanding of the eco-system for modern ageing, including curating a global alliance of modern ageing

• Research and insights

• Business advisory services

• Advocacy from evidence-based positions

More information about the Centre can be found online.