Powering Evidence-Led Innovation in Aging
Join a free global community contributing expert insight, professional perspective, and domain knowledge to help understand what may hold relevance for Japan’s aging society.
About Our Professional Group
The Living Best Professional Group is the free, open-participation layer of our non-profit work. Members contribute expert interpretation, domain knowledge, and contextual insight to strengthen the evidence we generate through our research and MPI evaluation activities.
Together with our User Group of older adults, carers, and families across Japan, the Professional Group plays a central role in Living Best’s multi-stakeholder evidence ecosystem.
Participants include professionals from corporations, healthcare and care delivery, academia and research, government and policy, investment and venture creation, global AgeTech and longevity ecosystems.
What unites them is a shared interest in understanding what works, why, and for whom in aging and longevity.
Participation is free, individual, and open to anyone aligned with our mission.
Why Join the Professional Group?
- Contribute lived experience, professional insight, or domain expertise
- Participate in selected research activities, expert discussions, and community input sessions
- Inform MPI evaluations through structured interpretation and thematic review
- Receive neutral, interpreted insights and research summaries
- Attend public briefings, thematic discussions, and community events
- Stay informed on global trends in aging, longevity, and innovation
What People Are Saying About Our Events

91%
Rated the entire experience
Excellent or very Good

86%
Are extremely likely or very likely
To attend similar events in the future
Event Highlights – Heads, Hands &
Hearts for AgeTech
26 October 2022
Meet Our Community Leaders

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.

Asako Kurosaki
General Manager
Professional Group Member Profiles
More Member Profiles Coming Soon!
Interested in Joining?
The Professional Group is ideal for individuals seeking to contribute, learn, and stay informed about aging and longevity innovation.
For organisations requiring structured evidence, benchmarking, and access to validated innovations, explore The AgeTech Alliance.



