Social Innovation for Aging Population

Social innovation represents a transformative approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by population aging. This chapter examines how social innovations—defined as novel solutions that simultaneously meet social needs and create new social relationships—are reshaping the silver economy landscape. Through comprehensive analysis of contemporary initiatives across healthcare, housing, employment, and community engagement, we demonstrate how social innovation catalyzes economic value while enhancing quality of life for older adults. The chapter synthesizes evidence from diverse geographical contexts, highlighting successful models of age-tech startups, intergenerational programs, co-housing initiatives, and platform economies designed for older populations. We present a framework for understanding the ecosystem enabling social innovation for aging populations, analyzing the roles of entrepreneurs, policymakers, civil society, and older adults themselves.