Of Age

Everyone ages. We're not just getting older, we're living longer. The narrative of ‘aging as decline’ is outdated. We're in the midst of a longevity revolution, and the question is no longer if we age, but how we age better. This isn't just about adding years to our lives, it's about adding life to our years.
 
Designers are uniquely positioned to lead this revolution.
Our process doesn’t retire, our creativity doesn't diminish, and our drive grows stronger.
 
But how do we, as designers, specifically address the evolving needs of an aging population (including our own)? How do we design for a world where "better with age" is a reality? This product area suffers from a significant design deficit — too much velcro, too much grayge. Existing options heavily emphasize utility and robustness, perpetuating the idea that older individuals value only pragmatic features. Consequently, there's been little incentive to date for companies to invest in design innovation for this demographic. This is changing.
 
This isn't just a personal question for designers; it's a crucial question for the brands we use and the products we inform and create. The first longevity revolution focused on enabling people to reach old age. The second—the one we're in right now—is about redefining what that age looks like.
 
In this hyper-connected world, our community is our greatest resource. By coming together, we can unlock the insights necessary to design for aging with intention, empathy, and excitement. Design has the power to be at the forefront of this conversation, addressing unmet needs, reframing problems, and implementing real change.
 
The focus of this event is twofold: to inform and to inspire. All within the setting of a creative community. Presenters from diverse and multidisciplinary backgrounds will hold energizing presentations and informative discussions on Process, Performance, Curiosity, and Legacy. 
 
Precedent shows that creativity gets better with age; how will you prepare for your life’s best work?