Dr. Joseph F Coughlin

Dr. Coughlin’s research agenda focuses on the disruptive demographics of global aging and new technology; and, how the convergence of the two drive change in individual behavior, business strategy and public policy. His research addresses innovation as well as barriers to change in business and government, product and service design & development across industry sectors and global markets. Below is a summary of selected research interests:

Creative Design, New Technologies & Future Environments for Older Boomers -- Aging populations in all countries require new thinking about the design of everyday things and environments. More than basic usability, how can the creative application of technology and design promote the health, wellness, independence, connectivity and joy of daily life for older people and people who care for them? How will new technologies and related services change the shape of the home, communications, community, fun & entertainment, vehicles & transportation, retail stores, workplaces, senior centers, hospital, nursing homes and the countless environments and experiences that make up daily life?

Disruptive Demographics & the New Business of Old Age -- How are businesses across market sectors responding to an aging marketplace? What are the new demands and behaviors of consumers 45 and older? From automotive, beauty, banking to retailing, the aging consumer is the new lifestyle leader that is driving change in marketing strategy, product/service development, design and delivery. Global aging is more than a shift in markets -- it is also a shift in the future of work. How does business (and government) adapt to the needs and demands of the older worker?

Trust & the Future of Advice -- Consumer-directed health, finance, longevity planning, caregiving, end of life planning and countless other activities require considerable information seeking, decision-making and planning to ensure optimal living in later life as an older person or as caregiver. While data on any topic is now plentiful and ubiquitous, it is difficult for people of all backgrounds to determine what information is ‘good,’ can be trusted, or is even relevant. How do older people seek information? What role do family, friends, extended social networks play? As the most educated generation in history, with considerable tech-savvy, how will aging boomers change the future role of formal advisors and affinity groups?

Transportation Safety & Mobility Demands of Older People -- Before you can do anything, you have to get there first. Transportation -- walking, biking, driving or public transportation provides the glue that holds all the great and little things that are life together. How is government and the private sector responding to the future mobility needs of older people? What are the future transportation demands of older adults? What is the future of the car and related services? How can community design and public transportation improve mobility and quality of life? How can intelligent technologies extend driver safety? How does health and wellness impact driver performance and safety?

Technology & Economic Development Policy for Aging Societies -- While many see aging as a coming crisis, an aging population is a new opportunity -- a call to innovate for both government service providers, the voluntary sector and business. How can partnerships between these stakeholders in aging to create policies that facilitate improved delivery of existing public programs and create the foundation for the development of new businesses to develop new products and services to meet the market demands of older consumers worldwide? What are the policy options available to government to stimulate technology development and product innovation?