Debra Granich and The Red Hat Society Make Aging Fun

April 26, 2010 By 3 Comments

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When the topic of aging parents pops up, many people immediately shift the conversation to healthcare, senior living communities or dementia.  And that’s fair, because many people don’t often think of these things until it’s crashing down upon them.

So when I met Debra Granich, the president and CEO of the Red Hat Society, I was delighted at such a refreshing experience.  Without stealing Debra’s thunder in the interview, the Red Hat Society (or Red Hatters) approaches aging with an eye toward support and a requirement for fun.  For many of you who’ve heard me speak, you know that I am a huge believer in the power of friendships and socialization to keep the body and mind youthful.  The Red Hatters have institutionalized this attitude across its very large membership and are realizing incredible results.

In this Leaders in Elder Care podcast, Debra shares the mission behind the Red Hat Society and some news that should make every senior lady and her family excited.  Enjoy!

How does Debra Granich describe the Red Hat Society? Keep reading.

Who We Are:

  • A global society of women approaching the age of 50 and beyond that connects and supports each other in their pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom and fulfillment. By maintaining a thriving social networking community and offering a variety of services and group experiences, the Red Hat Society revitalizes its members, helping them attain renewed confidence, pride and enthusiasm for life.
  • RHS members wear full regalia that includes distinctive red hats and purple outfits if you are 50 or older, pink hats and lavender outfits if you are under 50.
  • Our mission is to connect like-minded women around the world and to encourage them to have fun together. We are a vivacious society of women who celebrate life. Along the way, we develop strong bonds and caring friendships–at the same time raising the respect and visibility of women who are entering their next stage in life.

How It Started:

  • It began with a simple gift. Sue Ellen Cooper gave a dear friend a copy of a poem encouraging women to don a red hat and purple outfit in the face of getting older. She also gave the friend a bright red fedora to celebrate the friend’s 55th birthday in November 1997.
  • The Red Hat Society officially formed April 25, 1998 when Sue Ellen Cooper and a group of five friends, known as The Founding Chapter of Fullerton, California, dressed in purple clothing and red hats and met for afternoon tea.
  • Word quickly spread of these outings after a story appeared in Romantic Homes in July 2000. Since then, hundreds of articles have been published in regional newspapers and national magazines such as Good Housekeeping and Women’s Day.
  • Sue Ellen Cooper never set out to ignite an international phenomenon. She simply wanted to share her light-hearted attitude toward aging with a few girlfriends. In response to national news coverage, the Red Hat Society exploded.

Stats:

  • Approximately 30,000 chapters exist in all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 25 foreign countries.
  • It is estimated that each chapter averages 20-25 members.
  • The Red Hat Society is made up of a diverse network of women including working women and retirees, grandmothers, golfers, attorneys, teachers, Olympians and entertainers.
  • The Red Hat Society has licensing agreements with a dozen companies to produce quality merchandise available through the Red Hat Society Store and select retail stores throughout the United States. Product is identifiable by a tag bearing the official Red Hat Society logo.

Fun Facts:

  • 2008 is the Red Hat Society’s 10th birthday, which will be celebrated all year long with 4 conventions, 2 cruises, 2 outrageous birthday parties, a parade in London and many more surprises.
  • Exalted Queen Mother Sue Ellen Cooper reaches more than 125,000 Red Hatters each week through the Friday Broadcast, a personal e-mail updating members with news from Hatquarters and escapades of Red Hat Society members around the world.
  • Sue Ellen Cooper also sends a personal monthly broadcast to all Queens entitled Queen To Queen. This is a communique for all queens to share ideas and plans and to ask questions.
  • HATS! The Musical premiered Oct. 11, 2006 at The New Denver Civic Theatre and has since launched in its fifth market.
  • Red Hat Society Day is celebrated April 25th by official chapters worldwide.

About Debra Granich

In her role as chief executive officer for The Red Hat Society, Inc., Debra Granich has been instrumental in leading and building the organization’s international business operations, including membership, product, events, entertainment, travel and more. During her seven-year tenure, The RHS, Inc. has grown into a leading international women’s social organization with more than 30,000 chapters.

Previously, Debra held senior management positions for national retail store Contempo Casuals, then part of the Neiman Marcus Group. She subsequently transitioned to RHS from the Walt Disney Company where she held human resources leadership roles in Consumer Products and Theme Parks divisions. Among her responsibilities was the Disneyland Resort expansion project leading to the successful launch of an additional theme park, hotel and downtown shopping area.

Passionate about women’s health, education and social issues, Debra believes in living the values and mission of the Red Hat Society. An avid traveler, she is committed to changing the traditional notion of aging worldwide.

Debra earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton and continues to be active in many social and business groups associated with her alma mater. Debra and her husband Boris have been married for more than 27 years and together they have two sons in college.

Contacting the Red Hat Society

The Red Hat Society can be reached online or by phone at:

www.RedHatSociety.com

1-866-FUN-AT50 (866-386-2850); or
1-714-738-0001

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LEADER: Eve Stern of SNAPforSeniors Tackles Ethics in Elder Care

December 13, 2009 By 1 Comment

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Growth in the senior population is creating an increasingly large market for senior care and products that help seniors age more gracefully.  With high-growth markets, it is common for people and companies to appear with less than stellar ethical standards.  Unfortunately, ethics is one of the elephants in the room when it comes to senior care.

In this Leaders in Eldercare interview, I had the pleasure to speak with Eve Stern, co-founder and co-CEO of SNAPforSeniors.  In this discuss, we take on the issue of ethics, discussing the pros, cons and gaps in elder care today.   I think you’ll enjoy the conversation and the leadership by example Eve has employed at SNAP.

About Eve. M. Stern, RN, MS, Co-CEO, SNAPforSeniors, Inc.

Eve M. Stern is Co-CEO & Founder of SNAPforSeniors, a data and technology company that develops and distributes the most current and comprehensive senior housing and home health resource information in the U.S. She has more than 30 years of line and staff experience in healthcare business development, product development, operations and marketing. Her past accomplishments include building several successful technology and online healthcare product and service companies. Prior to SNAPforSeniors, Eve was senior vice president of business development and marketing for NexCura, an online communications and decision support tools company for consumers with chronic illnesses which sold to Thomson Healthcare in 2005. Eve was responsible for building national strategic distribution alliances with over 50 major e-health sites including the leading non-profit advocacy and commercial organizations. She was also founder and CEO of EthoSolutions, the first online job matching service for healthcare, later selling to J. Walter Thompson. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Science Administration from SUNY Stony Brook and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Columbia University. Eve has published multiple articles on informed decision making, online consumer empowerment and is a frequent speaker at national industry meetings.

About SNAPforSeniors, Inc.

SNAPforSeniors is a Seattle-based data and technology company that collects, aggregates and standardizes data from public/private authenticated sources for senior service providers, augments it with direct data submission and provides a common database for use by trusted third party organizations.

Contact Information

www.snapforseniors.com

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Chuck Gould and Volunteers of America Push the Envelope on Senior Care Models

October 19, 2009 By 6 Comments

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In this Leaders in Elder Care interview, I spoke to Chuck Gould, president and CEO of Volunteers of America.  I first ran into the folks from VOA when one of their marketing people, David Burch, solicited questions for their panel with Newt Gingrich and Tom Daschle.

Upon researching Volunteers of America, I was surprised (and impressed) to find that they are:

  • The largest not-for-profit provider for elders and individuals with disability
  • The 4th largest non-profit skilled nursing provider
  • The 6th largest non-profit assisted living provider

I really enjoyed the discussion with Chuck for a couple of reasons.  First, I could really sense the commitment and passion in his work – you could feel it from the conversation.  Second, they are really pushing the envelope in terms of changing the way they think about and provide senior care.  The organization has many communities throughout the country, providing them an opportunity to experiment with different levels of care and alternative care models.  Because they are not tied to a single model of care, they are free to pick and choose the components of each that work.

Enjoy the interview!

About Chuck Gould and Volunteers of America

Charles W. (Chuck) Gould serves as national president and chief executive officer of Volunteers of America. He provides leadership to one of America’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit, faith-based organizations.

Gould oversees the organization and its more than 16,000 employees and 90,000 volunteers. With combined revenues of almost $900 million, and programs that help more than 2 million people in more than 400 communities, the organization continues to grow.

Before his selection as national president in 1995, Gould was president of Volunteers of America Health Services, a division of the organization that provides skilled nursing care and other health services. Previously he was an attorney with Arnold & Porter law firm in Washington, D.C.

Gould is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and a member of the Minnesota, District of Columbia and Colorado State bars.  He serves as chairman of the ASAE Key Philanthropic Organization Committee; as a member of the board of directors and previous chairman of the National Human Services Assembly; and is a member of the board of directors of the National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT) and the American Association of Home and Services for the Aging (AAHSA).

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. We offer a variety of services for older Americans that allow them to maintain their independence and quality of life – everything from an occasional helping hand to full-time, around-the-clock care. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including the frail elderly, those with disabilities or requiring specialized nursing care, and many others. Our work touches the mind, body, heart-and ultimately the spirit-of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.

Contact Information

For more information about Volunteers of America:

Volunteers of America
1660 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 899-0089

www.VolunteersofAmerica.org

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Dr. Kevin O’Neil Helps Keep Your Brain in Shape

October 11, 2009 By 2 Comments

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In this Leaders in Elder Care interview, I had the privilege to speak to Dr. Kevin O’Neil.  I first met Dr. O’Neil at Brookdale’s Brain Symposium a few months ago at UCLA, where I left quite impressed with the his approach to brain fitness and brain health.  Dr. O’Neil combines a deep understanding of both the science behind brain health and the practical advise that non-doctors require to do something about.  Congratulations, Dr. O’Neil, for being a Leader in Elder Care.

I hope you all enjoy the interview.

About Dr. Kevin O’Neil

Dr. Kevin O’Neil is the Medical Director for Brookdale Senior Living (BSL), the largest senior housing provided in the United States. Dr. O’Neil practiced and taught geriatric medicine for over 27 years (seven years in Massachusetts and 20 years in Sarasota, FL).  A graduate of Boston College and Georgetown University School of Medicine, he completed his internship in Internal Medicine at the Washington Hospital Center and his residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.  He was formerly an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and is currently a Clinical Professor in the Department of Aging at the University of South Florida.

He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and is a member of the American Geriatrics Society and the American Medical Directors Association.

Dr. O’Neil is co-editor and a contributing writer to Optimal Aging Manual, which Art Linkletter has called “the great master book for the boomers.”

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Taking Your Feet for Granted? Meet Ray Margiano, Founder of Foot Solutions and Leader in Elder Care

October 1, 2009 By 4 Comments

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In this Leaders in Elder Care interview, I wanted to step back from residential and medical care and focus on something that many of us take for granted.  The simple fact is that for seniors, foot comfort and correctly-fitted shoes can make the difference between independence and comfort or pain and immobility.  As an athlete, I thought I knew a lot about shoes – the how and why the need to fit.  When you talk to Ray Margiano, CEO and founder of Foot Solutions, you quickly learn the mind-numbing depth of science that goes into shoes.   I’ve named Ray Margiano a Leader in Elder Care because of the passion he brings to his business and for the incredible impact that his work has on millions of seniors who want to keep moving forward.  Kudos, Ray!  And to the rest of our readers, I hope you enjoy the interview…with your shoes ON!

About Ray Magiano

Ray Margiano PhD, CEO and founder of Foot Solutions, established Foot Solutions at the end of 2000 with three employees and no funding, to provide custom orthotics and shoes to fit and provide proper support, and to address the individual foot health needs of a wide variety of consumers. By the end of 2008, he grew the company to more than 240 franchises worldwide and a corporate staff of over 50 people with sales around $100-million. Foot Solutions has already signed agreements in 16 countries with master developers and are projecting five new countries per year with a continuing growth rate of 50 new units a year.

Ray’s business philosophy is to give something back to the community and to be part of positive change and energy. As such, Foot Solutions provides many outreach programs donating time and money to organizations active in health and wellness, children’s obesity, diabetes and foot care. Ray also serves on the American Diabetes Association’s advisory board, is a member of the Board of Governors at University of New Haven and on the Board of Directors for the National Shoe Retailers Association.

Ray has received many awards in business throughout his career, including the 2008 Cobb Chamber Small Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year Atlanta 1994, Blue Chip Award Winner, and International Fran¬chise Award for International Excellence, University of New Haven Distinguished Alumni Award and Distinguished Bartels Fellowship Award University of New Haven, among others. He is a frequent speaker on franchising, the footwear industry, pedorthics and Balance Walking, a low-impact exercise using modified ski poles with wrist straps that increases circulation muscles and aerobic fitness.

Ray has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of New Haven, a Masters degree in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a PhD in International Business Administration from Canbourne University. Before founding Foot Solutions, Ray held high-level positions at Sikorsky Aircraft, Sybron and Textron and also founded Heel Quik, the world’s largest personal services franchise with over 700 operations in more than 30 countries. Ray is also the author of “Balance Walking”, which teaches about the physical benefits of Nordic Pole walking.

How Ray Margiano Described Foot Solutions

Foot Solutions is a leading multinational retailer of proper-fitting, comfortable, high-performance shoes, custom inserts and technology-driven health and wellness products to consumers across the globe. With more than 240 stores in 13 countries, Foot Solutions is the world’s largest health and wellness franchise dedicated to foot care.

CEO Ray Margiano PhD, founded Foot Solutions in 2000 after a 20-year career in the foot care and pedorthic industry to provide custom orthotics and shoes to fit and provide proper support, and to address the individual needs of a wide variety of consumers.

The company’s philosophy of better health through your feet is put in practice by providing a full line of quality shoes, arch supports and foot care accessories for all lifestyles. A key part of the Foot Solutions experience – and a core aspect of the company’s overall product and philosophy – is an individualized consultation for each customer to determine the proper shoe, orthotic or other foot care product for their specific needs.

Foot Solutions’ staff, versed in both foot pathology and properly fitting shoes, helps customers make choices that will support their foot care plan, accommodate foot problems, or simply offer both comfort and style. Foot Solutions offers foot care products specifically tailored to individuals with 18 health problems including heel and arch pain, diabetic foot disorders, arthritis, sports injuries, and back pain through expertly fitting footwear, arch supports and other foot pain relief products. It also provides shoes and other products designed to accommodate and alleviate foot injuries, products to optimize athletic performance, fitness and training aids, and corrective and occupational footwear, including nonslip shoes.

Part of Foot Solutions’ philosophy is to contribute in positive ways to the community on a local, national and global level. To that end, the company provides opportunities for its associates to participate in programs related to children’s obesity, diabetics, fitness, and retirement communities. Foot Solutions is also a consistent supporter of the President’s Challenge program for getting Americans back in shape and Soles for Souls, which donates shoes for flood, fire and the underprivileged.

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Neil Moore Eases Long Distance Caregiver Stress with Connect 4 Healthcare

September 28, 2009 By 1 Comment

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My mother lives in San Diego. I live about an hour north in Orange County. One sister lives an hour north of Los Angeles. My other sister lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

As one might imagine, long distance caregiving is an issue with which my family continuously grapples. It’s the peace of mind and communication that always seems to be the toughest to maintain. Who calls the community? Who calls the family? How do you maintain any consistency in the update you get on her care? The questions can be endless.

That’s why I was so excited when I started following Neil Moore and Connect 4 Healthcare more than 6 months ago. Neil’s brought the company from a great idea and a prototype to a service enormously valuable to families like me.

In this Leaders in Elder Care interview, I had the chance to catch up with Neil was really excited to hear that Connect 4 Healthcare was living up to its potential.  I am glad to be able to call Neil a Leader in Elder Care and hope you enjoy the interview.

About Neil Moore

With over twenty years of successful health care business experience, Neil Moore has spent the last 16 years on the management teams of health information technology companies in roles that include management of application development, marketing, sales, clinical consulting and strategic partnerships. Before starting Connect 4 Healthcare, he was Executive Vice President of Evention Healthcare, Inc., a long-term-care software start-up, where he was responsible for Strategy, Marketing, Sales and Business Development. In 2007, Evention Healthcare was purchased by the largest long-term care pharmacy services provider in the US (Omnicare, Inc).

How Neil Describes Connect 4 Healthcare

Founded in 2008 by Neil Moore, Connect 4 Healthcare, LLC provides an easy-to-use, inexpensive web service (Connect for Healthcare™) that enables long-term care providers to improve resident/client care, the family experience, operational efficiency and differentiate themselves in the market place by dramatically improving and documenting their communication with families using modern technologies. In just a few minutes per week, the Connect service enables care providers to deliver regular, proactive updates to the entire family through the Internet, Email and Text Messaging – no matter where they might be – in 70% less time than it takes them to answer a typical update call from just 1 family member.

Contact Information

www.connect4healthcare.com

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Sheldon Krechman and Peacemaker Corps – Seniors Rescuing At-Risk Youth

September 27, 2009 By 2 Comments

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It seems like whenever the topic of elder care or “seniors” come up, the discussion immediately turns to medical, caregiving and financial issues. I was really happy to meet Sheldon Krechman and learn about his focus on keeping seniors engaged in the community.  Sheldon and his wife, Carol, have put together a wonderfully creative organization that is poised to make a measurable impact in the community – a better sense of purpose, more senior independence and a chance for seniors to give back to the community the wisdom of their years.  I think everyone will enjoy this interview.  Sheldon and I had a great time (even though his mom is a Dodger fan!)

Introducing the Peacemaker Corps

The Peacemaker Corps concept grew out of the United Nations mission to promote peace, tolerance and conflict resolution. A collaborative effort between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Friends of the United Nations (FOTUN) and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF) launched the preliminary Peacemaker Corps trainings in fall of 1999 with the aid of a $ 1MM U.S. Federal Discretionary Grant from HUD. After a successful rollout to 11 cities coast-to-coast and positive feedback obtained in follow-up interviews in the year 2000, the Peacemaker Corps training was incorporated into HUD’s ongoing budgeted programs in 2001, only to be eliminated later due to budget shortfalls.

Since its inception, Carole Sumner Krechman, President/Chair, has played an integral part in the Peacemaker Corps. As the Chairman of the Board of FOTUN from 1995 to 2001, Mrs. Krechman collaborated with HUD and SYF to bring the Peacemaker Corps program to youth across the United States and around the world. Following the budget cut, Mrs. Krechman began down the path to reform the Peacemaker Corps and continue its mission of empowering our young with the art of making peace. In 2002 she obtained written consent from HUD to utilize the curriculum, established 501(c) 3 status with the State of California and the US Internal Revenue Service, and in 2003 helped the Peacemaker Corps Association receive the high honor of being one of 26 organizations worldwide, and one of two domestically, named a Non-Governmental Organization with the United Nations.

Proven Success

In late 1999, through the combined efforts of HUD, FOTUN, SYF, 12 trainings were beta-tested in 11 cities coast-to-coast including Indianapolis, Seattle, Dallas and Miami. A total of 220 teens, ages 13-17 participated in the two-day training. An average of 18 young people of varying ethnic backgrounds were chosen by the local Public Housing Authority to participate in each training. The chosen students were selected based on their leadership qualities, demonstrated commitment to their community and their willingness to apply their newly acquired peacemaking skills in future situations.

Following the training, students were asked to evaluate the training on several levels:

  • 87% of participants responded that they learned a lot about mediation and conflict resolution after taking part in the Peacemaker Corps training
  • 87% gave the training an “Excellent” or “Very Good” rating when asked to rate the overall Peacemaker Corps session
  • 76% stated that they would “definitely” like to learn more about the Peacemaker Corps.

SPARTA Consulting, HUD’s national public housing security contractor, conducted follow up phone interviews in 2000. These interviews provided qualitative and quantitative data regarding the benefits of the training. In Pittsburgh, the mother of a graduate stated the program had a visible impact on her son and his friends. She said the program “changed his whole outlook” on how he relates to other youth. Youngstown, Ohio Peacemakers reported they were using their training to breakup fights in school and to avoid fighting with siblings and friends. SPARTA Consulting also identified that following the training many graduates of the Peacemaker Corps had been empowered to join organizations that utilized their new peacemaking skills for a positive effect on their communities. Organizations included: Youth Crime Watch, Drug Free Youth in Town (DFYIT), Boys and Girls Club, City Youth Council and the Youth Crime Commission.

About Sheldon Krechman

Sheldon was Executive Vice President of Martel Electronics and was solely responsible for concept, sales and marketing and directed a 250 member national sales force. Martel maintained offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tokyo Japan and Bremen, Western Germany. Martel Electronics was one of the first importers and distributors of Japanese and German High Quality Electronics. Martel Electronics was partially financed by Chinese investors from San Francisco and Vancouver.

Sheldon was CEO of FKM, Inc. a computer software development and consulting company. Under his direction (NAMES), Name and Address Management System Software was developed, utilized and marketed to the Direct mail industry.

Sheldon was the developer and President of World on Wheels. An Inner city Family roller-skating entertainment center, located in the inner city of Los Angeles. World on Wheels has served the community as a wholesome family entertainment center for over 20 years. The center was the largest revenue-grossing center of its type in the United States.

Sheldon was Chairman of the Board, and Technological Director of World China Trade, Inc. a California Corporation formed to do business in the Peoples Republic of China. WCT developed the Asia Hotel, a world-class hotel office apartment complex located in Beijing China adjacent to the workers stadium. Sheldon developed the first interactive computerized global network communication system between China and the USA. Between 1982 and 1990, Sheldon spent over 1500 days inside the PRC. Sheldon worked very closely with Ms. Zhang Xia Lu, who was Manager of American Affairs for World China Trade. Sheldon and Ms. Zhang have kept a close relationship and friendship to this date.

Sheldon served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Technology Officer for Recreation World, Inc. During this 5-year period, Sheldon implemented state of the art computer systems and interacted with over 1000 employees throughout the United States. Sheldon, as Chairman of the Board, was responsible for communicating with the three different classes of investors in the Company. Recreation World owned and operated 22 Ice Skating Entertainment Centers in 11 major cities throughout the United States, including the roller skating center in Central Park in New York City, which was managed by the company.

Sheldon is the Executive Director of the Peacemaker Corps Association. The Peacemaker Association is a California Non Profit Corporation. The Corporation has a Curriculum that teaches At Risk youth how to resolve their problems in a not violent manner. It is a national organization that runs their programs in major shopping malls throughout the USA. The Peacemaker Corps has NGO status at the United Nations and periodically runs workshops and seminars at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Sheldon worked as a volunteer for the Pico Youth and Family Center in Santa Monica California for 5 years. He worked with Latino youth and adults and taught them how to use and service computers.

Sheldon worked for Angel View Foundation. Angel view is a non-profit organization that houses adults that have serious diseases and cannot be kept at home, such as Spinal Bifida. He set up their computer systems for the State of California reporting purposes and worked with the patients teaching computer skills, so they could access the outside world regardless of their disabilities.

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Steven Aldrich Advances Brain Fitness at Posit Science

September 21, 2009 By 1 Comment

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In this Leaders in Elder Care Interview, I spoke with Steven Aldrich of Posit Science.  Posit Science is one of the leaders in what is a growing market for brain fitness and memory care software.  There are many ways to provide memory training, as some of you may know, but I really enjoyed two things from my interviews and several discussions with Steven.  First, Posit Science has gone the extra distance to conduct clinical studies on the use of their software.  This is where the rubber really meets the road in terms of validating marketing claims with real world evidence.

Second, I really appreciated the extension of brain fitness into a lifestyle rather than just a treatment for specific conditions. Research shows that brain fitness is something that should be started sooner rather than later, so was a relief to see the “lifestyle” element incorporated in the way Steven and Posit Science approach the market.

Enjoy the interview!

About Steven Aldrich

Steven Aldrich is president and CEO of Posit Science, joining the company from Intuit where he created significant growth over 13 years in many roles. Most recently he was vice president of Strategy and Innovation of the small business division where he accelerated growth by solving important customer problems through partnerships and acquisitions. He guided the QuickBooks Industry Solutions and QuickBooks Point of Sale teams to several successive years of significant employee engagement increases, customer experience improvements and revenue growth. Steven was president of Quicken Insurance, a business he co-founded and sold to Intuit. He has worked in the investment banking division of Alex. Brown & Sons and for McKinsey & Company.

Steven completed his MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and he holds an AB in Physics from the University of North Carolina. Steven is an avid supporter of the arts, president of the Board of the Bay Area Glass Institute (www.BAGI.org) and enjoys spending time with his wife Allison and their son, Jackson.

How Steven Describes Posit Science

Founded in 2003 in San Francisco, Posit Science (www.PositScience.com) helps adults stay vibrant throughout their lives with brain fitness software that engages the brain’s natural plasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire.) Our staff neuroscientists collaborate with a team of more than 50 scientists from leading institutions around the globe to develop and test programs that improve cognitive performance—and enhance quality of life. The company’s products and scientists are currently featured in two PBS documentaries, including “The Brain Fitness Program.”

Posit Science grew out of the pioneering work of renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Merzenich. A member of the National Academy of Sciences and Institute of Medicine, and Professor Emeritus at the University of California at San Francisco, Dr. Merzenich has a track record of turning neuroscience into practical tools that benefit consumers. More than 30 published studies show that our 90 patented technologies significantly increase processing speed, improve memory and enhance the quality of everyday life.

All three of Posit Science’s interactive brain fitness software programs are designed to help users think faster, focus better and remember more.  The difference is in how the products train your brain.

The Brain Fitness Program™ is a software program for the auditory system of the brain. Auditory processing is fundamental to brain fitness because much of the important information taken in each day—and that people want to respond to, remember and use later—comes in through what is heard. These skills can help a person remember details of a conversation, find the words on the “tip of their tongue” and keep up with rapid speech.

InSight™ is a software program that sharpens the brain’s visual system, resulting in a person seeing more of what’s around them, reacting to it quicker and remembering it better. These skills are essential to everyday activities, like matching names with faces, keeping track of grandchildren on a busy playground and remembering where the keys are.

DriveSharp™ is a driving-focused product, containing two of the five exercises in Insight.  DriveSharp focuses on the visual areas in the brain that are essential to safe driving and is clinically proven to train the brain to think and react faster on the road.  Improvements in visual processing skills decrease the risk of an accident by 50 percent. DriveSharp is recommended by the AAA Foundation.

To conduct clinical studies, we work with leading researchers at prestigious institutions, including, Cambridge, Harvard, Mayo Clinic, MIT, Stanford, UCSF and USC. We have also established business partnerships with global organizations, including AAA Clubs, AAA Foundation, Alzheimer’s Australia, Allstate, Capital Health, Penn Treaty and QVC.

Contact Information for Posit Science

Posit Science Corporation
225 Bush St., 7FL
San Francisco, CA 94104
www.PositScience.com

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Paula Panchuck Redefines Independent Living with Lasell Village at Lasell College

September 9, 2009 By 7 Comments

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In this Leaders in Elder Care interview, I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Paula Panchuck, vice president of Lasell Village at Lasell College.  Lasell Village epitomizes the meaning of creativity in elder care.  Combining senior independent living and continuing education within the campus of a four-year university, Lasell Village at Lasell College serves as an inspiration for what can happen when people think “what if….”

I hope everyone enjoys my interview with Paula as much as I did.

How Paula Describes Lasell Village

Lasell Village is a unique Continuing Care Retirement Community located on the campus of Lasell College in Auburndale, Massachusetts, a village of Newton and a residential suburb bordering Boston.  Open since May 2000, the Village combines the elements of lifelong learning, retirement housing, support services, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care on its thirteen-acre site.

A focus on living and learning is the defining characteristic of Lasell Village and one that makes it distinctive among retirement communities.  Although it is one of a growing number of college-affiliated retirement communities in the country, it is the only one to feature a formal, individualized, required continuing education program for its residents. In addition to courses and other learning opportunities at Lasell College, Village residents enjoy hundreds of on-site courses, lectures, cultural events and physical fitness classes each year. A College-appointed Dean oversees this unique living and learning program at Lasell Village and encourages intergenerational activities for residents, faculty and college students.

The physical environment of the Village is designed to support its educational mission and to integrate the intellectual growth, creative development, and physical wellness of its residents.  Each of its sixteen apartment buildings includes a classroom, studio, library or fitness facility and indoor linkways interconnect all buildings, providing Villagers with easy access to educational offerings taking place throughout the community.  The architectural model at Lasell Village was selected for a Project in Progress Design award by Nursing Homes/Long Term Care Management and the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE).  The community’s innovative combination of lifelong learning and retirement housing was featured in the Urban Land Institute’s Housing for Niche Markets: Capitalizing on Changing Demographics.

About Paula Panchuck

Paula Panchuck is Vice President for Lasell Village at Lasell College and the founding Dean of its innovative living and learning program.   She holds a PhD in Educational Studies and Public Policy from Lesley University in the area of adult development and aging and recently completed the Certified Aging Services Professional program sponsored by the University of North Texas and the American Association for Housing and Services to the Aging (AAHSA).   Paula is the recipient of the American Society on Aging and the MetLife Foundation Mind Alert Award for Outstanding Older Adult Learning Programs.  Her primary research interests include the impact of intergenerational exchange on older adults and college students’ attitudes toward older adults.  She is a frequent conference, workshop and webinar speaker on the topics of lifelong learning, campus-affiliated retirement communities, and intergenerational programs and has hosted the cable television’s Through Our Eyes which explored on issues in aging.

Contact Information

Dr. Paula Panchuck
Vice President for Lasell Village at Lasell College
ppanchuck@lasell.edu
617-663-7054

You can reach Lasell Village at www.lasellvillage.com.

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