Joseph Coughlin

Joseph Coughlin, PhD is Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab. His research provides insights on how demographic change, technology, social trends and consumer behavior will converge to drive future innovations in business and government. It explores the impact of global demographic change, social trends and technology on consumer behavior, business innovation & public policy.

Based in MIT’s Engineering Systems Division, Joseph Coughlin teaches policy and systems innovation and is author of the on-line publication Disruptive Demographics. He is one of Fast Company Magazine’s “100 Most Creative People in Business” and was named by the Wall Street Journal as one of “12 pioneers inventing the future of retirement and how we will all live, work and play tomorrow.”

Dr. Coughlin has an eminently practical approach that pursues “use-inspired” basic research and focuses on developing new business and policy strategies that respond to the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s older adults – a huge and fast expanding market demanding innovations for enhanced quality of life in all areas.

The goal: Innovations that serve elders by seamlessly integrating technology and consumer services. (Example: a “smart” shopping cart that compares the items you put in the basket against your medical dietary profile.) Joe Coughlin also runs an especially effective program on automotive innovations for older drivers.

Dr. Coughlin is a Behavioral Sciences Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and a Fellow of Switzerland’s World Demographics & Ageing Forum advising and speaking to businesses, governments and non-profits worldwide.

Joseph Coughlin has been featured on ABC News, BBC, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, NBC’s Today Show, Dr. Oz, News Asia, Economist, Financial Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other media outlets throughout the world.

• The Longevity Bonus
• Disruptive Demographics
• The New Style Of Aging

• Active Aging

• MIT Agelab