Ageing in Population: Designing for our future
Author: Sharon Widanagama
The Aging Population
As people lead longer lives, the size of older individuals in the world’s population is steadily increasing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030 “1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over ‘’ and by 2050 “people aged 60 years and older will reach 2.1 billion” , which is double the population in 2020. It is because of this that ideas of healthy and active aging grow evermore vital.
What is the role of design?
The responsibility to support the aging population relies on various sectors such as governmental, economic and medical services, but one of the ways we in the AEC and design industry can support is, of course, through design. The built world, currently as it is, now is not equipped with the necessary infrastructure and spatial conditions to consider the growing aging population. The question is how can we design for active aging both in public and private spaces?
How could we approach this?
A research project by the Gensler Research Institute in 2015 investigated the needs of this aging population and identified four major themes to consider in our design approach for active aging: Connectivity, Choice, Independence and Wellness. Any design interventions should satisfy these themes in one way or another in order to reflect on the psychological, social and physical health of older individuals.
(Learn more about this study here!)
Let’s think of this on a larger, public scale…
The Age-Friendly Communities/Cities initiative started by the WHO and carried out by the Public Health Agency of Canada here in Canada promotes designing infrastructure such as “well-lit sidewalks, accessible transportation and socializing opportunities” to mention a few examples for the demographic often overlooked. Designing on the scale of urban planning and communities allows individuals connectivity and the ability to maintain relationships with those around them, as well the independence of getting around and caring for themselves without having to rely on others.
Now how about on a smaller private scale?
Think of any conventional housing quarters. Chances are that existing within it are multiple barriers for older individuals to live in comfortably and independently. Aging-in-place refers to the concept of being able to continue living in your private house for the majority of your lifetime. Having a space that works for you, fits your preferences and which you can stay and live in even at an older age allows individuals to remain in control of their choices and independent lifestyle.
What can we do?
The approach to designing for the aging population can be across various scales of intervention, ranging from urban-level planning to inside residences, but the importance lies in keeping the psychological, social and physical health aspects of the aging demographic in mind and responding to their needs. It is within the design of their surroundings that we can greatly contribute to the improvement of their lives moving forward.
References
Ageing and health. (2021). Retrieved 18 December 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
Canada, E. (2021). Government of Canada — Action for Seniors report — Canada.ca. Retrieved 18 December 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/seniors-action-report.html#tc5
Design for Active Aging | Gensler. (2021). Retrieved 18 December 2021, from https://www.gensler.com/gri/design-for-active-aging
