Revolutionizing Senior Care: CU Anschutz Unveils Cutting-Edge Living Lab

DENVER, CO – The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is set to redefine the landscape of senior care with the grand opening of its innovative Senior Living Lab. Slated for October 22, 2025, this pioneering initiative promises to be a beacon of hope and advancement for older adults, transforming how we approach aging, wellness, and independence.

Far from a mere research facility, the CU Anschutz Senior Living Lab is envisioned as a dynamic, real-world environment where groundbreaking ideas meet practical application.

Researchers, clinicians, technologists, and residents will collaborate to develop and test solutions that address the multifaceted challenges of aging. Imagine smart homes that anticipate needs, personalized health monitoring systems that ensure proactive care, and communal spaces designed to foster genuine connection and purpose.

This ambitious project brings together a multidisciplinary team from across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, including experts from medicine, nursing, public health, engineering, architecture, and behavioral sciences.

Their collective mission is to create tangible improvements in the quality of life for seniors, focusing on areas such as fall prevention, cognitive health, social engagement, nutrition, and managing chronic conditions. The lab will serve as a living laboratory, allowing for the rapid iteration and refinement of technologies and care models in a safe, supportive setting.

One of the core tenets of the Senior Living Lab is its emphasis on co-creation.

Seniors themselves will be integral to the design and testing process, ensuring that solutions are not only technologically advanced but also truly user-centric and responsive to their lived experiences. This collaborative approach ensures that the innovations developed are practical, desirable, and genuinely enhance the daily lives of older adults, promoting a sense of autonomy and dignity.

Beyond its immediate impact on residents, the CU Anschutz Senior Living Lab is poised to become a national model for elder care innovation.

Findings and best practices generated within its walls will be disseminated to senior living communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers nationwide, influencing the future of aging in America. It represents a bold step forward in fostering a society where growing older means embracing new possibilities, supported by cutting-edge science and compassionate care.