Koko has partnered with roughly 20 advisors who lend us their know-how and their perspective as they work with us to design, create, and test products that serve the needs of a diverse array of older adults. Our design partners represent a range of ages, locations, races, living situations, backgrounds, and areas of expertise.
What they all have in common is that they share our excitement for technology and for exploring new ways to enable older adults to live the lives they want, where they want. Their insight and feedback are essential to our work, and we are always eager to hear from new voices who are interested in giving us their perspective. If you are an older adult and would like to work with Koko to create a better-designed, more empowering future, please get in touch at hello@meetkoko.com.
One member of our advisory group is Pablo Quevedo of Parkland, Florida. After spending decades as an IT specialist and entrepreneur in Venezuela and Central America, Pablo and his wife came to the U.S. over three years ago to be closer to his four children and four grandchildren. He tells Koko about what that transition has been like, and his big plans for the future:
What do you miss about Venezuela?
Besides having my company, I had a small dairy farm. I started with like 20 cows and got up to 400 cows. I used to have it on family land, and I was getting ready to buy my own land when a difficult political situation came to Venezuela and I had to sell everything. I miss my 92 year-old mother and I miss my farm. I was mentally prepared to retire there, but that’s not how it happened.
How has retirement treated you?
I would like to start a new business! My wife and I haven’t figured it out yet but we will. I retired too young—I think retiring at 65 is crazy. People at that age can still produce! If you are really ready for retirement, ready emotionally and economically, then okay. But I still want to start something new.
Have you enjoyed any part of retirement though?
I have more time for myself. I like going out on my bike. I listen to audio books to help my English. I put on my big Mexican hat and walk 1.5 miles and I’m inside the Everglades. It reminds me of being in the country in Venezuela.
What are you most looking forward to in your future, after the pandemic?
I used to go to the pool every day, and I had to stop that. I would also love to go to California to see my other kids. I want to travel to New York and just walk the streets. I think a lot about Warren Buffet. He’s the person I look up to the most. He is in his 80s and still works every day. You don’t need to have all the money he has, you don’t need a lot to enjoy life. Just to keep busy and keep working.
Pablo is playing a major role in Koko’s evolution. If you’re interested in working with Koko in a similar capacity, please email hello@meetkoko.com.
