In this ongoing series, we share advice, suggestions and insights from real entrepreneurs who fight business battles every day. (Responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.)
Ted Fischer is the company’s co-founder and CEO Timeless innovation, a company whose mission is to combat the most pressing challenges facing older people, akin to social isolation, loneliness and cognitive impairment. “We do this by providing joy, fun and happiness to improve quality of life,” says Fischer.
“We believe that play is a basic human need at all ages,” he explains. “It can support essential social connections, improve emotional health and well-being, and bring joy as we live together and age – all of which ultimately help fight the wider epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.” The company has developed an award-winning line of animatronics A joy for all companion animals and games and partnered with AARP on “Get out and play” initiative., which goals to bring together people of all ages to spend time together during board game events. Their “Pets for Vets” program with Capital Caring Health has provided animatronic animals to veterans across the country.
Fischer says he draws inspiration and motivation from his grandmother Claire, whom he considers his best champion. “When she was diagnosed with progressive dementia, my family and I saw firsthand that laughter and play were key elements of her care,” he recalled. “It became increasingly clear that play wasn’t something that was ‘nice to have’ – it was an essential element in helping people live and age gracefully – and it became my life’s mission to attempt to make play accessible to everyone. My grandmother never stopped laughing, her playful spirit was and still is the driving force behind the Joy for All brand.
Fischer points recent research which shows that nearly 25% of adults over the age of 65 are socially isolated, and loneliness could cause serious health problems akin to obesity, arthritis, hypertension and depression. In 2023, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an executive order advisory detailing the devastating impact of what he called the “epidemic of loneliness and isolation” in the United States.
Social interactions are there scientifically proven ways to combat deterioration in physical and mental health, and here Fischer shares strategies through which we will all reconnect and revitalize the lives of our family members.
- Participate in the Get Out and Play board game event: People of all ages come together and have a good time the older people in their lives, especially those that are looking for social interaction, fun experiences and fun. Participants described the events as “fantastic”, “lots of fun” and “full of laughter”. Dozens of events have already been planned for 2024, and lots of more are on the horizon. Anyone can find a game night event near them – or consider hosting your personal! – Na aarp.org/agelessplay.
- Companionship is key: Based on the premise that older adults are looking for interactive companionship, we have created a collection of animatronic pets designed to look, sound and feel like real pets, without the responsibility and struggles of owning a pet. Clinical trial results have shown that our Joy for All companion animals can improve the well-being, sense of purpose and quality of life of individuals living with dementia; they have also been proven to significantly reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people. They are a great option for those looking for company and connection. You can learn more and get a companion animal for yourself or a loved one on the website joyforall.com.
- Catch the game: Recently together with Hasbro a recent take on classic gaming properties, including Game of Life Generations, Scrabble Bingo, and Trivial Pursuit Generations, featuring easy-to-understand game elements, larger font sizes, and fun facts and references designed for players of all ages. The recent games aim to facilitate intergenerational connections, stimulate conversations and improve the quality of life for older people, making it easier than ever for them to attach meaningfully with relations, friends and peers.