The Plug-in. Influencers of modern ageing.

Connect with The Plug-in

COTA SA’s social enterprise The Plug-in, is a specialist market insights operation which connects older people with business, industry and researchers. We give older people an influential voice and enable clients to innovate and improve products, services and policies for the growing 50+ market.

If you’re an individual over 50, then we invite you to join our community of “Influencers” ready to “plug in” to client projects – it’s free and simple to register. Or if you’re from an organisation that wants to understand your older customers at a deep level, then connect with us – we are ready to partner with you.

The Plug-in is a member of ADIA, the Australian Data and Insights Association (formerly AMSRO).

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The Plug-in. Influencers of modern ageing.

Are you an influencer?

If you want the power to influence the future of ageing we invite you to join us and have the opportunity to work alongside industry, innovators and researchers to help create technology, products and services that will better meet the future needs of older people.

Join The Plug-in community and have access to information, training and opportunities to identify and solve the problems that matter most to you and others.

The Plug-in. Influencers of modern ageing.

Are you looking to connect with older people?

Speak with us to find out how The Plug-in provides industry, innovators and researchers the ability to connect with older South Australians to innovate, identify, test and take to market new products and services that better meet the future needs of older people.

The Plug-in offers:

  • A fresh approach that delivers streamlined and tailored recruitment of participants that can add value to design and innovation processes
  • An opportunity for ongoing relationships with the community
  • Deeper dives leading to a deeper level of understanding about what’s important to older people
  • Access to specialist support in developing and facilitating design and innovation processes
  • Accelerated design and development phase and prototyping
  • The ability to hit the mark (and market) quicker; and early exposure to potential ambassadors.

Read what our Community and Clients say about Our Impact, take a look at some of our past and present Projects or Contact The Plug-in team to discuss how we can work with you.

Influencers of Modern Ageing

The Plug-in Team

Head of The Plug-in – Miranda Starke MMktg, GAICD

Miranda is Chief Executive of COTA SA and Head of The Plug-in. As Chief Executive of COTA SA, Miranda works closely with our Board, staff, volunteers and stakeholders to deliver our wide range of programs and services, to lead our challenge against ageism and to represent almost 700,000 South Australians aged 50+ through COTA SA’s policy and advocacy work. Miranda joined COTA SA in 2019 initially to lead the The Plug-in, before taking on the role of General Manager a year later. In March 2023 the Board was pleased to appoint Miranda to the role of Chief Executive, following a competitive recruitment process; in this capacity she continues to lead The Plug-in.

Miranda has held senior Executive and Board roles in the education, arts and social sectors, including at the Art Gallery of South Australia, Westminster School, and as Deputy Chair of Westside Housing Company, and is the current Chair of the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation which aims to ensure that the arts is accessible to all South Australians. Miranda has a Master of Marketing, is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and also a Churchill Fellow.

Acting Research Manager – Elyse Lloyd MSc(AppStat), BPsychSc

Elyse is a Psychological Scientist and Data Analyst with extensive experience in market and social research across an array of sectors, including education, government, utilities, professional services, and retailers. She has previously worked as a specialist in ageing research, focussing on quantitative methodologies, with previous clients ranging from major retirement living companies through to government and not-for-profit providers. As a Research Officer, she brings her passion for data translation, insight, and strategy to support the work of the team on our important social research.

Research Officer – Sharmilla Zaluski

Sharmilla is an original member of The Plug-in start-up team and now contributes her expertise on a project basis as an advisor, co-researcher and workshop facilitator. She has previous experience working in policy, community engagement and customer service roles in numerous Local Government environments. Her warm and enthusiastic manner makes her a natural at connecting with people and drawing out their stories.

Associate – Allison Kane MBA, FGLF

Allison is a highly experienced extension to The Plug-in team bringing years of experience in communications, marketing and community engagement gained across a spectrum of not for profit and local government organisations.

Consultant – Pablo Gonzalez CertIntBus, BEc , MPubPolicy&Mgt

Pablo is a consultant who has worked with The Plug-in on major projects since 2018. Pablo’s toolkit has a wide collection of gadgets. His tools vary from economic development, public policy, journalism, and service design to project management, graphic design, and events management. With a sharp eye for innovation and community development, Pablo supports his approach with light humour, philosophy and practical depth.