Celebrating Texas Innovators in Aging

Developing programs, resources and services for older adults is necessary to ensure Texas communities can meet the needs of this growing demographic. Doing this requires a unique vision, creativity, and innovation.

The 2021 Profile of Older Americans reports that in 2020, 3.9 million Texans were 65 years of age or older. The Texas Demographic Center estimates this population will grow to 9.4 million by 2050.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) launched the Innovators in Aging awards in 2018. This recognition aligns with the longstanding statewide healthy aging campaign, Age Well Live Well (AWLW), which promotes three focus areas: Be Healthy, Be Connected and Be Informed. This simple messaging continues to help shape and deliver statewide aging and living well resources.

The Innovators in Aging Awards provide annual state-level recognition for trailblazers serving older Texans. HHSC hopes to foster inspiration and innovative solutions that serve Texans for generations to come.

Award nominees must serve older adults in Texas. Examples of innovations include:

• Developing partnerships to improve older adult services.
• Researching new methodologies to treat chronic conditions.
• Fostering community efforts to promote positive aging messages.
• Creating recent programs designed to engage older adults.

Be Healthy Award Category

Be Healthy highlights innovative efforts of a person, program, organization, community, or technology creating opportunities for improved physical and mental health for older adults.

2022 winners included:

• An innovative technology platform designed for family members and friends to connect with key professionals to manage care and safety.
• A new product development transforming incontinence care and the prevention of urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers and pain for older adults.

Be Connected Award Category

Be Connected highlights innovative efforts of a person, program, organization, community, or technology creating ways for older adults to initiate and maintain community engagement.

2022 winners included:

• A patent-pending website design to secure personal histories, stories, and memories in partnership with multiple groups serving older adults.
• A virtual collective laboratory research partnership involving the expertise of multiple entities to improve the quality of products and services for older adults.

Be Informed Award Category

Be Informed highlights innovative efforts of a person, program, organization, community, or technology creating opportunities for older adults to learn about the services and resources available in their community.

2022 winners included:

• The executive director of a volunteer-operated nonprofit helping to educate the public about end-of-life planning.
• A state partnership improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, caregivers, partners, and community providers through regional coordination of information, resources, and events.

For questions or more information, email AgingTexasWell@hhs.texas.gov.

Note: HHS employees may be nominated if their work is done outside the scope of their position.