Bold’s CEO on fall prevention, ageism in health care, and ‘movement is medicine’

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – When Amanda Rees was in her twenties she moved in with her grandmother, who was in her 80s, and saw first-hand the issues older adults face with falls and balance. “It really radicalized how I thought about aging,” she said. Serving as her grandmother’s caretaker inspired her to shift into health care and start Bold, a health tech startup that provides at-home digital exercise programs targeted at adults 65 and older.  

Falls among older adults cost the health care system about $50 billion annually, according to the CDC. Rees hopes Bold can help older adults build strength, prevent falls and reduce hospitalizations. The Los Angeles-based startup works with Medicare Advantage members and raised $17 million during its Series A. Rees sat down with STAT to discuss building Bold, the concept of  “movement is medicine,” and the public health crisis of falls. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

advertisement

What is Bold?

STAT+ Exclusive Story

STAT+

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe