The Institute for the Ages exists to accelerate business, social, and economic progress through readily accessible user insights of the 50+ demographic. Informing verification, validation and inspiration in product/service development, we help R&D initiatives reach full potential value in a competitive marketplace. With more than 50% of the population over age 50, 32.5% over age 65 and 7.3% over age 85, Sarasota County is made up of older adults from diverse backgrounds, eager to be co-creators of innovations that will improve the lives of people of all ages. The Institute for the Ages is the access point for the county, gathering feedback and insights from older adults through community engagement, educational events and our growing 50+ Community Research Network (50+ CRN). In addition, we have formed strategic partnerships that increase our capacity to connect older adults with innovators. Some of our community partners include: Senior resource centers, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), rehabilitation, healthcare and homecare providers, senior product and service providers, YMCAs, and neighborhood associations. Through our access and expertise, the Institute for the Ages can help speed the product/service verification and validation process by getting your concept, prototype, product or service in front of older adults, family caregivers or senior market experts, effectively reducing R&D costs and allowing you to focus on the big picture.