Episode 14 · Healthy aging & brain health

Ariana Myers

Healthtech strategist and aging-innovation expert — Founder & Managing Director of Vershina Consulting, Co-Founder of Mindr, CEO of AgeTech Connect San Francisco

On Retirement Navigator

It's Not Too Late: What a Landmark Brain-Health Study Found

▶ Listen now · 57 min All episodes

About Ariana

Ariana Myers is a healthtech strategist and aging innovation expert focused on cognitive health, longevity, and the future of aging. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Vershina Consulting, where she advises mission-driven organizations and startups at the intersection of aging, healthcare, and technology. Ariana is Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor at Mindr, an evidence-based digital platform focused on brain health, dementia prevention, and healthy aging.

She also serves as CEO of AgeTech Connect San Francisco, helping connect founders, healthcare leaders, and innovators building solutions for older adults. Her background spans more than 25 years across international finance, entrepreneurship, healthtech, senior care, and scientific research. Ariana’s work today centers on helping people and systems prepare for longer lives through healthier aging, cognitive wellness, and thoughtful use of technology.

Credentials

Founder & Managing Director, Vershina Consulting
Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor, Mindr
CEO, AgeTech Connect San Francisco
Former Alzheimer's Researcher, Buck Institute for Research on Aging
MBA, Columbia Business School

Follow Ariana's Work

LinkedIn Vershina Consulting Mindr

What you'll learn

Why finding good caregivers, not clients, is the hardest part of running home care — and where technology can take some of the load
Why assisted living and home care have become high-end options, leaving the middle with little support, and how adult day programs can help
What the FINGER trial found about combining nutrition, exercise, brain training and managing medical conditions — and how Mindr turns it into 5 to 15 minutes a day
Why exercise is the strongest lever for brain health: what's good for your heart is good for your brain
Why it's never too late to start, even with small changes later in life
How to tell normal aging from dementia: slower thinking is natural; forgetfulness that affects daily activities is the time to get checked
How to build a care team, including letting local emergency services know about a dementia diagnosis and calling the Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 helpline

In this episode

00:00Meet Ariana
02:14From Banking to Mountain Climbing
05:12Running a Home Care Agency
06:38Alzheimer's Research at the Buck Institute
11:08The Real Shortage Is Caregivers
15:26Why People Don't Call Themselves Caregivers
17:01Why Aging in Place Isn't Enough
22:50The Missing Middle and Adult Day Programs
27:45AI Companions and Caregiver Relief
30:46The FINGER Trial and Mindr
35:28Health Span: Adding Life to Your Years
37:21Exercise Is Your Strongest Lever
40:35Simple Ways to Exercise and Eat Well
45:56Early Signs and Early Diagnosis
50:10Build a Care Team
54:53Where to Find Ariana

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