Older w/ Co.
Older with Company is a mission that began as an interaction design thesis project focused on exploring the aging process for older adults in the USA. To identify challenges and pain points in growing older, I connected with 13 individuals to learn about their perspectives and lived experiences.
60 Mindful Days
Secondary Research
Loneliness Epidemic
According to the CDC, “Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes”. From this, I recognized the impact of school and work as cornerstones to connection and how as you become older and start to loose these things, there is decrease of opportunities to participate socially. Individuals are left to themselves to struggle, adapt, and hopefully figure it out for themselves.
Primary Research
13 Perspectives
Early conversations focused on routines, rituals, and the transitions that impacted their journey in older adulthood. From these conversations I learned about impactful transitions like retirement, becoming single, and relocating, and how these events can represent themselves as hurdles for someone to overcome.
“I really feel like I, you know, I still feel like there’s something I haven’t figured out yet. Retired sounds like you’re finished. And, and based on some of the perceptions about aging in our society, I resent it. I just resent all of those labels. They don’t define me.”
A 64 year old recently retired NYC resident
“I used to play cards every Sunday night growing up, Pinochle with my father, a neighbor next door, and a fourth person. But now, you can’t even get a game going. You need four people. And now I, uh, I, I took it for granted. You know, now people are all, all dead.”
A 61 year old retired widower
“I think it’d be hard for a couple months. Going from a high stress to nothing new because we are used to that. My life is pretty boring. I just like hanging out with the grandkids and all that because soon they’ll be a lot older and then they won’t want to do anything with you.”
“You need to work you ass off to get to know people. I cant figure out how do I find other people that might want to be doing the same things I want to.”
A single 65 year old who relocated
Being able to successfully adapt to challenges, seeing them as an opportunity.
For some, these challenges and succumbed to situation they we're presented with. This can lead to a stagnant life with little social or community stimulation, which was what empowered other people on their journey.
Refined Focus
Refocused to highlight the often-overlooked aspects of holistic wellbeing—such as social and mental health—in the aging process, beyond the usual focus on financial and physical health. This approach encourages an early appreciation for the joys of connection and supports individuals who may need extra care, nurturing healthier outcomes.
Using appreciative inquiry, I sought to make positive practices I discovered more accessible to those in need of additional support. This initiative brings to light valuable insights and creates opportunities to guide meaningful interventions, ultimately enhancing community and holistic wellbeing among older adults.
Harvard Study of Adult Development
The study focused on the real-time experiences of individuals, confirming through research that social connections significantly enhance happiness, health, and longevity. Robert Waldinger's findings—‘Social connection is really good for us, and loneliness kills’—guided the formulation of a challenge statement, helping me craft interventions to make a meaningful difference.
Design Statement
How can design help older adults through a transition into a new season of life so that leading fulfilling and active lives is more accessible?
Bridging the Gap
Enhancing Social and Mental Wellbeing in Early Aging
Older adults face isolation and mental health struggles as social interactions decrease, highlighting a need for accessible, community support systems that proactively aid in their aging journey.
Cultivating Core Qualities
Boosting Resilience and Purpose in Aging
Pessimistic views magnify aging challenges. Cultivating curiosity, optimism, empowerment, and clarity enhances resilience and life satisfaction in older adults, supporting a purposeful aging journey.
Aging with Grace
The Power of Early Social and Emotional Investments
People often neglect other aspects of their life as they prioritize financial and physical health. A focus on social learning and connection can transform older adults' quality of life, stressing the need for holistic support.
Body of Work
Designed Interventions
This projects manifestations aim to assist older adults as they become older and navigate impactful life transitions such as retirement, relocation, becoming single, or the loss of a loved one. The goal is to promote a more holistic sense of wellbeing and maintain social connections, helping them adapt to new life stages with optimism and a proactive approach.
Key insights have revealed several challenges that need addressing: adapting proactively to life changes, maintaining an optimistic outlook towards the future, achieving holistic wellbeing that goes beyond just physical and financial aspects, and sustaining social connections. The concept of “same old routine” is turned into an opportunity, encouraging participants not to succumb to their circumstances but to actively engage with their new life phase.
View Interventions