About living best
Heads, Hands & Hearts for AgeTech
Living Best is a mission-driven, non-profit organisation providing neutral, evidence-based evaluation of aging- and longevity-related innovation. We focus on understanding what works, why, and for whom – with a particular focus on Japan, the world’s most advanced aging society.
Through shared evidence from our User Group of older adults, carers, and families, our Professional Group of experts and practitioners, policy perspectives, and the wider ecosystem, we reduce uncertainty and help organizations make clearer, more confident decisions.
OUR PURPOSE
Aging, Reimagined Through Evidence.
Living Best exists to reduce risk, fragmentation, and internal misalignment around aging-related innovation. We generate credible, human-centred evidence so that institutions, sponsors, and partners can understand real needs, evaluate opportunities, and act with confidence.
HOW WE WORK
Human-Centred. Evidence-Led. Multi-Stakeholder. Japan-Informed.
-
Human-Centric Research
- Evaluation begins with the lived experience of older adults, carers, and families - supported through our nationwide User Group.
-
Evidence-Based Validation
- We apply structured research and expert review to ensure solutions address real needs.
-
Community-Informed Insight
- A diverse community - including our Professional Group and User Group - strengthens interpretation and reveals nuance.
-
Holistic Understanding of Aging
- We examine the aging journey across the life course to clarify needs and opportunity areas.
-
Intergenerational Perspective
- We recognise that aging affects individuals, families, communities, and society.
Grounded in lived experience and neutral evidence, Living Best supports organisations navigating aging-related challenges with clarity and credibility.
Dominic’s Story
With over three decades of experience in consumer insights and strategy, Dominic Carter is redefining the aging experience. His journey to founding Living Best began with a simple yet powerful realization: the challenges of an aging population could be transformed into opportunities for innovation and fulfillment.
Dominic’s vision goes beyond creating products; it’s about reshaping the narrative of aging itself. By deeply understanding the needs and aspirations of older adults, Living Best is enabling the development of solutions that don’t just add years to life, but life to years.
Expertise Meets Passion
Living Best is guided by a leadership team with deep experience across research, insight, healthcare, and Japan’s aging ecosystem. Together, they ensure the organisation operates with integrity, neutrality, and a strong commitment to evidence-based insight.
Dominic Carter
Co-Founder
As founder and CEO of The Carter Group, with over three decades in consumer insights and strategy, Dominic brings unparalleled market understanding to Living Best. His vision of transforming aging challenges into opportunities drives our mission to develop impactful, user-centered solutions that enhance quality of life for older adults.
Yasuko Akutsu
Chairman
Yasuko brings extensive experience in aging, healthcare design, and human-centred innovation. As CEO of MT Healthcare Design Institute and Associate Professor at Chiba University Hospital, she leads research and education focused on improving care experiences for older adults. Her long-standing involvement in global AgeTech networks, including her work as Aging2.0 Tokyo Ambassador, reflects her commitment to advancing evidence-informed solutions that support aging societies in Japan and internationally.
Debbie Howard
Co-Founder
Debbie’s 35+ years of experience in Japan and personal caregiving journey fuel her dedication to AgeTech innovation. Chairman of The Carter Group, her expertise in cross-cultural business strategies and deep connections globally are invaluable in tracking global AgeTech trends and synthesizing insights relevant to Japan.
Adam Claydon-Platt
Executive Director
Adam’s two decades of entrepreneurial experience in Japan and belief in technology to solve global megachallenges guide Living Best’s research direction, partnerships, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Asako Kurosaki
General Manager
Asako’s strategic acumen and operational expertise ensure the seamless execution of Living Best’s initiatives. Her commitment to fostering community engagement among both professionals and users is key to our human-centric approach, ensuring our solutions truly resonate with those we serve.
Japan as Our Starting Point
The World’s Earliest Aging Signal Market
Living Best is grounded in Japan – a context rich with demographic urgency, complexity, and opportunity. Insights from Japan inform not only local understanding but also generate learning that can support aging societies globally.
Global Insight
We synthesise global aging and innovation trends to support international understanding.
Insights generated through Japan-focused research are shared to support evidence-based discussion and learning internationally.
Japan as Innovation Hub
Japan’s advanced aging context provides a valuable environment for understanding what works, why, and for whom.
Living Best applies research and validation methodologies to assess relevance and implications for Japan, with learnings that can inform other aging societies.
Cross-Cultural Understanding
By examining aging through both Eastern and Western perspectives, Living Best helps surface cultural assumptions, contextual differences, and shared challenges.
This supports more nuanced interpretation of research findings across diverse markets.
Join Us in Redefining Aging
Living Best exists to help institutions navigate aging with clarity, confidence, and credible evidence. Join us in shaping a future where longer lives are lived with purpose, dignity, and opportunity.
Together, we can a build a world where people are Living their Best.