Technology & Aging Research Ideation JamFrom the Texas Age-Tech Initiative, Sealy Center on Aging, and UTMB Pepper Center

glowing lightbulb covered with paint, Technology & Aging Research Ideation Jam text graphic

On May 19, 2026, researchers and collaborators gathered for a dynamic Ideation Jam designed to explore how emerging technologies can advance aging research. Organized by Elizabeth Lyons, PhD; Meredith Masel, PhD, MSW; and Missy Morrow, PhD, with support from the Texas Age-Tech Initiative, Sealy Center on Aging and UTMB Pepper Center, the two-hour interactive session brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to generate ideas, identify synergies, and uncover opportunities for collaboration.

The structured brainstorming event focused on the intersection of aging, health, and rapidly evolving technologies. Attendees engaged in lively discussions around tools such as wearable devices, mobile health applications, ambient and passive sensing systems, remote health monitoring, and digital health platforms. The session emphasized how these innovations could be leveraged to support health, enhance function, and improve quality of life as people age.

Participants actively contributed to cross-disciplinary idea generation, sharing perspectives that ranged from clinical applications to community-based interventions and technology design. The welcoming environment encouraged early-stage thinking and creative exploration, enabling attendees to propose novel concepts without the need for deep technical expertise. Throughout the session, several common themes emerged.

Many groups highlighted the importance of integrating user-centered design into aging technologies, ensuring accessibility and usability for older adults. Others emphasized the potential of passive data collection and remote monitoring to provide more continuous, real-world insights into health and behavior. Collaboration also surfaced as a key priority, with participants identifying opportunities to connect existing research efforts, share datasets, and build interdisciplinary partnerships.

The Ideation Jam concluded with a focus on next steps, as participants reflected on promising research directions and potential pathways for moving ideas forward. The event successfully created a space for connection and innovation, reinforcing the value of collaborative thinking in addressing complex challenges in aging research. Attendees were encouraged to continue the momentum sparked during the session by following up on discussions, reaching out to potential collaborators, and further developing the ideas generated. Organizers emphasized that many of the concepts shared are at an early stage and would benefit from ongoing dialogue, refinement, and partnership.

Next Steps

Those who participated, as well as others interested in contributing—are invited to reconnect with fellow attendees, explore shared interests, and take concrete steps toward advancing technology-enabled solutions that support aging populations.