BetterAge Receives $5.5 Million in NIH Grants for Healthy Aging Innovations

BetterAge Secures $5.5 Million in NIH Grants to Transform Healthy Aging

In a significant development for elder healthcare, BetterAge, a pioneering digital health platform, has announced the acquisition of $5.5 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding marks a crucial milestone in BetterAge's mission to empower older adults in their pursuit of healthier aging. The latest grant of $3 million complements an earlier award of $2.5 million, underscoring the confidence that NIH has in BetterAge's innovative approaches to health management among seniors.

The grants' initial amount was aimed at enhancing BetterAge’s web-based platform, which assists older adults in evaluating their health and offers personalized recommendations for enhancing their overall well-being. The Phase I portion effectively showcased the platform's feasibility, while the upcoming Phase II will expand its development and involve trials with a broader user base.

Diana Yin, the CEO of BetterAge, remarked, "BetterAge provides older adults and their families with the insights and tools essential for thriving, rather than merely surviving. With NIH’s support, we are poised to scale our innovative solutions, ensuring that communities, regardless of their geographical location, have the means to age with dignity and health."

Expanding the Reach

The newly secured funding will not only improve the existing platform but also facilitate the creation of a dynamic companion app tailored for caregivers supporting individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (PLWAD). This application will serve as a vital resource, enabling caregivers to access ongoing support, enhancing their motivation and capability in caring for themselves while assisting their loved ones. Silvia Orsulic-Jeras, lead researcher from the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it bridges the gap between empirical research and everyday utility for caregivers.

Beyond improving individual health outcomes, BetterAge recognizes the broader implications of chronic health issues among seniors, which currently result in costs exceeding $1 trillion annually for the U.S. healthcare system. Moreover, with millions of unpaid caregivers consistently providing crucial support, the burden on these individuals is immense. BetterAge is tackling these challenges head-on, delivering solutions crafted in collaboration with older adults to foster healthy aging and alleviate caregiver stress.

BetterAge is also working alongside over 40 community-based organizations to gather feedback that will be instrumental in refining their platform. Furthermore, they have established a national partnership with USAging, an organization representing Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs. This collaboration significantly extends BetterAge’s outreach, enhancing their capability to scale proven innovations and effect measurable improvements in the well-being of older adults across the nation.

In recognition of its impactful work, BetterAge recently received the Fundación MAPFRE’s 2024 USA Social Innovation Award for its contributions to the Silver Economy. By actively partnering with innovative organizations, BetterAge continues to strive toward creating substantial support systems for older adults nationwide.

About BetterAge

BetterAge stands at the forefront of redefining the aging experience. The platform employs artificial intelligence and behavioral science to provide tailored guidance designed to boost health outcomes for older adults. Collaborating with aging services organizations, BetterAge not only facilitates comprehensive health assessments but also implements targeted interventions that lead to quantifiable results. This innovative approach complements traditional healthcare services, encouraging older adults to not only survive but to thrive. For further information, visit betterage.net and follow BetterAge on LinkedIn.