Behavioral health and physical health have historically been quite separate. But as clinical research has shown, if a person with a chronic disease is also grappling with an underlying condition such as depression, it can impact medication adherence and their ability to comply with a care plan.
Several companies have seen the value in developing software to bridge the gap between treating the mind and treating the body. Some have sought to make behavioral health data easier to include in electronic medical records. Others have focused on improving mobility and improving balance, through fitness programs, to reduce falls.
Given the life changes seniors go through, social isolation, reduced mobility and budget constraints combined with the likelihood of one or more chronic conditions, the call to action for companies to address these challenges is critical.
The 50+ market is thriving, but it’s often not given enough attention.
Back in October of last year, MedCity announced that it was partnering with AARP to unearth the people, ideas, and companies that are innovating for the vital and growing 50+ market.
Since we started the nomination process, more than 150 entries were collected through November 2016. Now through stages, we want to arrive at the final 50 Innovation 50+ Leaders.
This week, we invite readers to pick their favorites nominees (a mix of entrepreneurs, companies, and a nonprofit) innovating in the Behavioral Health/Physical Fitness category. Here are the nominees:
A Deep-dive Into Specialty Pharma
A specialty drug is a class of prescription medications used to treat complex, chronic or rare medical conditions. Although this classification was originally intended to define the treatment of rare, also termed “orphan” diseases, affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the US, more recently, specialty drugs have emerged as the cornerstone of treatment for chronic and complex diseases such as cancer, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.
| Dance for PD® (a program of the Mark Morris Dance Group) |
| Dr. Amit Sood |
| John Jaquish, Jaquish Industrial Research |
| Lauretta Anne Byrnes, PH.D., STEPIN2NOW® |
| Myndlift |
| Nymbl Science |
| Quartet |
| SilverSneakers Fitness® |
Click here to choose your favorites. Voting in the Behavioral Health/Physical Fitness category will remain open until 8 p.m. on Feb. 8.
