The SCAN Foundation

10/23/2024

The SCAN Foundation is proud to release A Practical Guide for Building Inclusive Spaces for Disabled People, authored by disability rights advocate and TSF PC3 member Tina Pinedo. This guide offers actionable steps to help organizations design more inclusive environments that go beyond compliance and foster real accessibility for disabled individuals.

By addressing barriers and prioritizing inclusivity, we are advancing our mission to support more equitable, aging communities.

Download the guide today on our website to explore how these strategies can enhance your organization: https://www.thescanfoundation.org/harnessing-momentum/practical-guide-cbos-form/

10/09/2024

Ageism denies millions of older adults the equitable access to resources, care, and opportunities needed to live well and with purpose, both at home and in their communities. On Ageism Awareness Day—and every day—The SCAN Foundation is committed to breaking down these barriers.

We take direct action through our strategic initiatives, driving change in models of care, advancing data equity, ensuring financial security, and promoting health equity.

Our partnerships with organizations like Generation, Dandelion Health, Stanford AIMI, Center for Care Innovation, Aspen Institute on Financial Security, NYC Dept of Public Health, Disability Rights CA, Greater Good Studio, Sankofa Elders Project, Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation, Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County, Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, Gerontological Society of America, Justice in Aging, AARP Public Policy Institute, NORC at the University of Chicago, Public Policy Lab, ATI Advisory, Center for Health Care Strategies, and so many others are key to creating lasting, systemic change for older adults.

Together, we’re not just talking about ageism—we’re solving it by championing innovative solutions that shape a better future for older adults.

10/09/2024

How is AI reshaping the workforce for midcareer and older workers right now? In partnership with Generation, we set out to answer this question, surveying 4,000+ hiring managers and workers across the U.S. and Europe.

Our key findings highlight the opportunity - and the challenge - facing this vital segment of the workforce:
● 15% of workers ages 45-65+ say they are currently using AI tools at work
● Older workers bring invaluable experience and judgment to AI adoption, enhancing its impact
● Employers predict a 22% to 64% drop in hiring for entry-level and mid-level jobs over the next year

While older workers are increasingly adopting AI, the transformation it brings to industries also poses a risk of amplifying ageism.

Our Vice President of Innovation and Investments, Anika Heavener emphasizes the urgency of this moment best: “Older workers offer unique skills and experience, and employers need to provide them with the training and support they need to reap the benefits of AI and successfully integrate the technology into their day-to-day jobs.”

Check out the full, must-read report for additional insights and practical steps to effectively harness AI and uplift midcareer and older workers: https://www.thescanfoundation.org/resources-tools/age-proofing-ai-enabling-an-intergenerational-workforce-to-benefit-from-ai/

09/30/2024

By 2030, older adults will outnumber children in the U.S. for the first time. As part of the National Plan on Aging Community Engagement Collaborative, The SCAN Foundation is working to address critical needs in housing, healthcare, and mental health services for our aging population. Together, we’re driving solutions to support healthy aging and build age-friendly communities.

West Health and Gallup report that Americans see a significant need for affordable healthcare, housing and social services as they age.

09/27/2024

At The SCAN Foundation, we believe in a world in which all of us can age well with purpose. In a recent article published by The Boston Globe, our president and CEO, Dr. Sarita Mohanty, explores how this vision can manifest.

“‘We need to nurture a sense of belonging among older people,’ says Dr. Mohanty, and let them know: ‘You are a part of society, and you bring a vast contribution because of your wisdom and your years of experience.’”

By developing arenas for social connection and shared learning and giving voice to those without through initiatives like The People Say and Equity Community Organizing (ECO) Groups, we can build a community where purpose is cultivated and independence is supported.

Article link (note paywall): https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/19/opinion/wisdom-claudia-kalb-aging-choices/

Science is tracking the behaviors, habits, and attitudes that help people live longer and better lives.

09/27/2024

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way healthcare is delivered, from improving patient care to reducing health inequities. These significant changes come with equally significant responsibilities. Our president and CEO, Sarita Mohanty, was recently featured in Forbes discussing how although AI’s potential is immense, it must prioritize inclusive data and follow a rigorous governance framework to be truly equitable.

At The SCAN Foundation, we’re working to ensure this is a reality. Through select partnerships, we’re proud to advance projects that leverage AI to improve health outcomes and foster greater equity for older adults, especially within underrepresented populations.

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/09/19/19-major-impacts-ai-is-having-on-the-healthcare-industry/

From streamlining admin to improving patient care with data-driven insights, there are numerous outcomes that have only become possible with the evolution of AI.

09/26/2024

In this month's webinar, we introduce the Nonprofit’s Toolkit for Exploring Fintech Partnerships, designed to help community-based organizations better support older adults with their financial needs. Get insights and practical steps from speakers, Maria Lajewski (FHN) and Julie Krawczyk (The Senior Source), as they talk through using this tool to create equitable access and serve older adults' financial needs.

Learn more on our website:
https://www.thescanfoundation.org/harnessing-momentum/fhn-fintech-toolkit-form/

09/19/2024

Thank you everyone who joined us for our United for Health Equity in Aging Summit! Yesterday’s conversations and insights will help drive real change for older adults. If you missed yesterday’s Summit, we’ll be sharing highlights on our site and social media soon. Stay tuned!

09/18/2024

Respecting end-of-life decisions, from DNR orders to the right to a dignified death, is key to honoring patient autonomy. The SCAN Foundation is committed to shedding light on these impactful stories. Read more below and join us in the push for better care solutions.

Readers discuss unwanted medical care and choosing to die.

09/18/2024

Families caring for adult children with disabilities face immense challenges in planning for the future. The SCAN Foundation aims to bring visibility to these powerful stories. Let's continue to support and advocate for better care solutions.

Parents are looking to support their disabled children past their own ability to do so. A special needs trust might be the answer.

09/12/2024

We’re thrilled to announce that Dolores Huerta, a trailblazing advocate for social justice, will be a keynote speaker at our Summit! Her decades of activism and leadership continue to inspire change and empower communities.

Check out the full list of speakers and workshops: https://www.thescanfoundation.org/summit/