We know the global population is rapidly ageing.

We know longevity scientists are busy developing restorative treatments as they redefine ageing as a disease.

It’s that medical model of steady decline that gallops to mind when we think of design for older people. It’s all panic alarms, stairlifts and mobility scooters.

Designers shoot past The Big Middle years, 40s through 70s, to dependency and frailty before death.

The shiny new version of the UK’s Design Age Institute is tasked with moving the design of products and services beyond the cliches and the stigma of growing old.

Colum Lowe is its director. Georgie Lee is responsible for building community. We spoke in London.

Links

• Design Age Institute
• This Age Thing
• Scooter for Life
• Colum on Twitter
• Georgie on Twitter

Support The Big Middle

• Sponsor
• Donate for a dedication

 Follow The Big Middle

• Website I Twitter I Facebook I Instagram
• Hosted + produced by Susan Flory
• Music: “Beautiful Day” by Sahin Koc

???? Listen https://susanflory.com
???? Like this episode? Leave a review and share it with a friend!
✅ Subscribe to #TheBigMiddle on whatever podcast platform you fancy so you never miss an episode!