Hopeful Aging

As Memorial Day weekend comes to a close, we’re reminded that the stories, memories, and moments we share with loved ones continue long after the holiday itself.

For many families, familiar traditions and meaningful conversations can spark connection, comfort, and joy.

If you missed our free Memorial Day VIVA Stories and Insight Articles, don’t worry — we’ll be leaving them available for the rest of the week so more families can experience them together.

Click here to download yours today: https://tr.ee/Qtgk9XA2Li

We’re honored to see Hopeful Aging and our CONNECT system featured in a recent article from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As shared in the article, CONNECT is designed to build on the strengths that remain, creating opportunities for conversation, socialization, creativity, and connection rather than focusing on limitations. Through stories, discussion, music, and engagement tools, CONNECT helps caregivers and families foster moments of joy and strengthen relationships throughout the dementia journey.

“We want to help people connect with their loved one and improve quality of life,” said Michael Skrajner, Director of Research at Hopeful Aging. “The intention isn’t to improve memory, per se, but instead to use the strengths that still remain and create meaningful engagement.” Together with our wonderful partners at the Jewish Association on Aging, we are seeing this goal become a reality.

We’re grateful to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for highlighting this important work and helping bring more awareness to compassionate, relationship-centered dementia care.

Read the full article here:

JAA in Squirrel Hill is using a different approach to help dementia patients connect with others Research-based app helps dementia patients engage via conversation; not memory

We’re honored to share that Director of Research and Innovation at Hopeful Aging, Michael Skrajner has been named a finalist for the 2026 John Hopper Impact Award.

This year’s theme, Empowered Care, recognizes leaders creating meaningful impact in aging and dementia care — and we’re proud to see Mike and the work of Hopeful Aging recognized alongside such inspiring innovators.

The winner will be announced at the What’s Next Longevity Venture Summit at University of California, Berkeley on June 17.

Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists:
✨ Anna Gudmundson
✨ Dr. Michael Skrajner
✨ Shauna Sweeney

We’re grateful to be part of a community working to create more connected, compassionate, and empowering approaches to aging care.

Memorial Day reminds us of the importance of honoring stories, remembering loved ones, and spending meaningful time together.

For people living with dementia, familiar traditions, shared memories, and reading together can help create moments of comfort, connection, and engagement.

This week, we’re sharing a FREE Memorial Day VIVA Story and Insight Article from our CONNECT platform to help families, care partners, and communities connect through conversation and storytelling.

👉 Download the FREE Memorial Day Stories here: https://tr.ee/5opbiERNqr

Last week, we invited families to share a Mother’s Day story from the CONNECT platform, creating moments of connection with questions and discussion throughout the story.🌷

What may seem like a simple question often becomes something much deeper:

✨ Stories about childhood traditions
✨ Favorite family recipes
✨ Memories of holidays and celebrations
✨ Moments of laughter

That’s the power of meaningful conversation.

It reminds someone that their voice, experiences, and stories matter. 💛

CONNECT was built to help create more of these moments every day.

Click Here to learn more about our CONNECT Reading Library: https://www.theconnectapp.com/connect-reading-library

💐 Mother’s Day is this Sunday 💐

A quick reminder to download this month’s FREE Mother’s Day VIVA Story and Insight Article from CONNECT to share with someone you love.

These resources were thoughtfully created to support meaningful conversation, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re reminiscing about family traditions, favorite memories, or simply spending quiet time together, stories can help create moments that truly matter. 💛

👉 Download your free Mother’s Day stories here: https://tr.ee/Rd6yn0vZeS

We’re honored to share that Dr. John Zeisel and the CONNECT Dementia Engagement System have been Highly Commended at the UK Dementia Care Awards for the Technology and AI in Dementia Award.

At Hopeful Aging, CONNECT represents our commitment to using thoughtful, evidence-based technology to support people living with dementia—enhancing communication, fostering engagement, and strengthening meaningful connection.

This recognition reflects the heart of our work: ensuring that innovation in AI and digital tools remains grounded in dignity, creativity, and respect for each individual’s experience.

We’re proud to see CONNECT acknowledged on a global stage alongside others advancing the future of dementia care—and grateful to be part of a growing movement focused on possibility, not limitation.

We’re still feeling the impact from this week’s powerful conversation on the future of dementia care.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Ashland Senior Center and to the Metrowest Alzheimer’s Partnership for bringing the community together around such an important topic.

Our Director of Research & Innovation, Michael Skrajner, shared how Artificial Intelligence is already helping improve quality of life for people living with dementia—supporting connection, dignity, and meaningful engagement in real, practical ways.

These conversations matter—and they’re just the beginning.