Episode 7: Adam Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Solera Senior Living

In this episode of The Long Game, David welcomes Adam Kaplan, founder and CEO of Solera Senior Living. Adam shares how his journey—rooted in hospitality and shaped by family entrepreneurship—has led to redefining senior living as aspirational, not obligatory. From contemporary design and hospitality-driven services to innovative operational models, Adam discusses how Solera is transforming the senior care industry. He dives deep into pressing issues like the middle-market gap, labor shortages, and the adoption of game-changing technology such as passive monitoring. Tune in to hear Adam’s vision for blending community, design, and proactive health solutions to help residents thrive in their later years.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adam Kaplan and His Journey

04:03 The Evolution of Senior Living

06:52 Building an Aspirational Senior Living Experience

10:10 Designing Community in Senior Living

13:02 Challenges in the Senior Living Industry

16:09 Innovations and Future Directions in Senior Living

27:39 Sensible Immigration Reform for Senior Care

29:21 The Role of Technology in Senior Care

31:11 Passive Monitoring: A Game Changer

36:48 Proactive Health Management through Technology

42:17 The Shift to Value-Based Care

47:53 Misconceptions about Senior Living

52:42 Life-Changing Purchases and Learning

58:47 Staying Informed in Healthcare

Takeaways

Adam Kaplan grew up in the senior living industry, influenced by his father's entrepreneurial journey.

The goal of Solera Senior Living is to create aspirational communities where residents want to live.

Design plays a crucial role in redefining senior living, taking cues from hospitality and restaurant industries.

Community integration is essential for enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The senior living industry faces challenges in affordability, particularly for the middle market.

Technology, especially passive monitoring, is poised to revolutionize senior living care.

The workforce crisis in senior living requires sensible immigration reform and better working conditions.

Value-based care models are essential for improving health outcomes in senior living.

Transparency in operations can help families understand the costs associated with senior living.

Continuous learning and cross-industry insights are vital for innovation in senior living.

Referenced in the show:

• Good to Great by James Collin

• Brain Energy by Christopher Palmer
• The All in Pod
• Lex Fridman Podcast