Support the creation of
the Institute for the Ages

One exciting vision that has come from Aging: The Possibilities is the creation of The Institute for the Ages (Institute). This big idea capitalizes on Sarasota County's unique demographic. SCOPE has been working to create a national institute that focuses on how a community adapts and evolves to be reflective of its demographics.  With nearly 30% of the population age 65 or older, Sarasota County is ahead of the rest of the country in terms of having an older population.   We are uniquely poised to be on the leading edge of thought and action with the opportunity to help show the way for communities across the nation.  The Institute will spur ways to optimize a community’s response to a population that is shifting in age including the physical environment, market research, the development of new products and services, public policy changes, and evolution of our workforce.

Read more about the Institute in our Institute for the Ages Q&A

Gain some insight on the Institute, read "Gray Matters" in biz941.

Interested in showing your support? SCOPE is raising $150,000 for the development phase of the Institute for the Ages. Click here for more information.

Upcoming events: May 6th Tiger Bay Club "New Engines for Economic Growth"

The Institute has broad support throughout the community. Read what others have to say:

“There is no more appropriate effort in which to place our support than this exciting platform to maximize the demographics of our community and ultimately benefit all of us as we age.” 
 - Michael Dattoli, MD, founder and physician-in-chief, Dattoli Cancer Center and Brachytherapy Research Institute

"Establishing a truly International Center compliments our educational institutions, supports our housing market, our quality of life amenities of the arts, entertainment, and fine dining, as well as utilization of our International airport that has customs and a runway that can accommodate International air service."
-Kerry Kirschner, Executive Director of Argus Foundation

Read our Interview with Kerry

"SunTrust is proud to provide support for the development phase of the Institute for the Ages. Our nation is experiencing a significant shift in age demographics, and our community is in a unique position to respond positively to those changes and to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this change in dynamics. With 30% of our population age 65 or older, Sarasota County is the oldest large county in the nation.  The Institute for the Ages will focus on the identification and creation of bold new actions to enhance economic and societal life based on the aging of the U.S. population.”
-Margaret Callihan, CEO of SunTrust

“The development of the Institute for the Ages can bring us together and unify us to really build something not only for today but for years to come.”
- CJ Fishman, Chair, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

Read our Interview with CJ

In 2009, SCOPE hired Research Triangle Institute (RTI) to develop the business plan for the Institute. RTI is one of the world’s leading research institutes and have provided specialized consulting and support services in the area of technology-based innovation and economic development for four decades. 

RTI’s comprehensive charge is to establish the Institute’s vision, determine core programs and goals.  They will assess market and competitive positions, perform an economic impact analysis, and develop the business design and business model.

In early July, SCOPE hosted five meetings where RTI gathered information and updated the community on their progress. Over 100 interested citizens, medical organizations, local businesses and public officials attended to share their insights. Community input will help generate the business plan which will provide the basis to attract prospective national funders, both corporate and foundations.

Read the Phase I Summary of the Institute's Business Plan (September 2009)

To learn more view RTI's presentation and see the Kick-Off Meeting Summary.

The Institute has the potential to impact citizens in a personal, societal, and economic way. Download our information sheet to learn more or contact SCOPE at 941-365-8751.

Institute for the Ages Steering Committe and Advisory Board

Visit the 2010 Winter Forum page.