The 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting felt like a defining moment for aging services; one shaped by urgency, innovation, and a global perspective on what comes next. This year’s event brought together thousands of leaders navigating one of the most transformative periods our sector has ever faced. These reflections capture the key takeaways shared by Joe Velderman, Chief Strategy Officer at K4Connect.
The Big Technology Shift: AI, Infrastructure & Workforce Readiness
A central theme throughout the event was the maturation of artificial intelligence across senior living. Organizations are becoming far more intentional about their AI strategies, with 76% of leaders now viewing AI as a transformative or positive force in the next 5 years, up from just 58% in 2023. Conversations were grounded in real use cases and implementation strategies, signaling that the experimental phase of AI is behind us. In one memorable session, ChatGPT even appeared as a special panelist, underscoring how normalized and integrated AI has become across the field.
Alongside these conversations came a clear message: strong technology infrastructure is no longer optional. With many residents now owning multiple smart devices, some communities planning for networks supporting more than 100 devices per resident, organizations are dramatically rethinking their connectivity needs. Encouragingly, leaders also emphasized that when residents are given opportunities to test emerging technologies, adoption and confidence increase significantly.
The workforce discussion reflected similar urgency. With AI tools becoming more prevalent, organizations are shifting from general tech literacy to cultivating true AI among team members, which is an essential step for the next phase of digital transformation.
The ‘Peak 65’ Moment and a New Wave of Global Momentum
This year’s conversations also reflected the demographic realities of “Peak 65,” the period from 2024 to 2027 when more than 4.1 million Americans will turn 65 each year. This surge, 11,200 people every day, shaped discussions about workforce capacity, service delivery, and the pressure on organizations to evolve rapidly.
The global dimension of these challenges was especially visible this year. LeadingAge’s partnership with the Global Ageing Network created a combined event that brought together 7,000 attendees and more than 400 exhibitors. The Global Ageing Network Summit featured a compelling keynote by Joseph Coughlin of the MIT AgeLab, who outlined transformative ideas shaping the future of aging services and the need for bold, inventive approaches.
Residents as Co-Creators: Innovation Begins with the People We Serve
A standout theme across sessions was the rising emphasis on resident-centered innovation. Organizations like Asbury Communities are partnering with AgeTech Collaborative from AARP to create hands-on testing labs where residents can trial new tools and provide real-time feedback to startups. Early results are promising; participants report not only greater satisfaction but also increased interest in smart home technologies when they’re invited into the innovation process.
This co-creation approach reflects a broader recognition: residents are essential partners in shaping technology that truly meets their needs.
How These Trends Will Shape the Industry’s Next Chapter
Looking ahead, the convergence of AI maturity, demographic pressure, global collaboration, and resident-centered design will shape the next 12 to 18 months. Organizations that invest in modern infrastructure, build AI fluency within their workforce, and create pathways for resident involvement will be best positioned to navigate this moment of rapid transformation.
These themes signal not just change, but opportunity for more connected, personalized, and efficient models of aging services.
Looking Ahead
As Joe reflected, this year’s meeting underscored both the urgency of the sector’s challenges and the optimism surrounding the solutions emerging today. LeadingAge 2025 highlighted how collaboration, innovation, and bold thinking will define the next chapter of aging services.
A heartfelt thank you to LeadingAge, the Global Ageing Network, and the thousands of attendees whose insights and energy made this year’s gathering so impactful. The future of aging services is being built right now, and the momentum from this event makes it clear that the field is ready for what’s next.