Research Interests

Joseph F. Coughlin is founder and Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab – the first multi-disciplinary research program created to understand the behavior of the 45+ population; the role of technology; and, the opportunity for innovations to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families. Dr. Coughlin’s own research focuses on how the convergence of baby boomer expectations and technology will shape the future of public policy and drive innovation across global industries -- including the financial services, insurance, health, IT, telecommunications, automobile and retail sectors. He has published his work in a variety of business, engineering and policy journals. In February 2008, the Wall Street Journal named him one of America’s 12 pioneers inventing the future of retirement and aging. Dr. Coughlin was recently recognized by the Visiting Nurse Association as a "Home Health Hero" for his research in technology-enabled innovation in home healthcare services for the elderly.

He teaches strategic management, planning and public policy in MIT’s School of Engineering’s Engineering Systems Division (ESD) and the MIT Department of Urban Studies & Planning. He co-developed and co-teaches, with MIT colleague Stanley Finklestein, MD, ESD.69 "Seminar on Health Care Systems Innovation", also offered at Harvard Medical School as HMS HC.750.

See Joe’s Personal Website