Older women can sometimes feel underrepresented, forgotten, and sometimes ignored when it comes to their business, and health and wellness. The truth is, time is ticking for everyone, so aging is inevitable. However, Tamara McClintock Greenberg, Psy.D., M.S., is an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. Her story began with a close friend in her 60s who half-joked about no one in the world seeing her anymore because she is an older woman. During the conversation, not being taken seriously at her workplace came up, too. Greenberg remarked that she began to hear more of her older patients describe this feeling “invisible” experience. Then she began to notice it was happening to her, too.
But times are changing, and so are perceptions of aging. When it comes to health, The FemAging Project is taking steps to include women who are in midlife. According to a press release, the FemAging Project launched in 2019 with a vision to help women ages 40+ achieve their fullest potential. Improving health with solutions that are driven by technological advances is one way this goal is achieved.
The FemAging Project’s website stated that 55% of women 40-65 are worried about staying active, healthy, and independent as they age. In conjunction, The FemAging Project announced that along with the Keiretsu Forum Southern California, a unique opportunity for founders in the U.S. and worldwide focused on innovations/ business opportunities relevant to women who are over the age of 40, will be provided.
On May 20, 2021, at 12:00 pm EST/9:00 am PST, a virtual event called “The FemAging Era: Advancing Women’s HealthTech Innovation
and Investment” will bring physicians, investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss, illustrate, and explore opportunities and challenges. Additionally, innovators will be afforded opportunities to pitch their products and services to angel investors and venture capitalists, if they are designed for women who are over the age of 40. The press release also stated that participants will be eligible to win up to $100k+ in cash and professional services, a virtual 1-on-1 meeting with a potential investor, in addition to a one-year free membership to the Keiretsu Forum.The Keiretsu Forum’s website notes that the “Keiretsu Forum is a global investment community of accredited private equity angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate/institutional investors.”
Additionally, the press release mentioned that the pitch competition is free and open to all businesses serving the health and wellness needs of women ages 40 and over, with the exception of nonprofits. Applications will be accepted from April 1-May 1, 2021. It was also noted that although early-stage plans are welcome, founders and innovators must show consumer interest. Participants must be available on May 20, 2021, for the event.