OLDER&CO
Designing for Empowerment, Connection, and Curiosity in Older Adulthood
JOEL GIAMBRA JR.
Designer Joel Giambra Jr. interviews Fredda Tourin as part of a co-creation design research session.
Beginning with a curiosity about aging and autonomy as Americans grow older, Older & Co is a cultivation of interventions designed to support older adults through life’s various social transitions. With a focus on self-efficacy, community, and early support in the aging process, these efforts aim to empower adults to live a more fulfilling life in later years.
How can design create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible tools and/or systems empowering autonomy in the aging population in the US? How might we design interventions to help older adults through a transition into a new season of life?
The Older & Co journal, structured to promote holistic health and interpersonal connection.
Journaling serves as a powerful tool for many older adults, helping them navigate personal transformations at pivotal moments in life. This practice offers a moment of reflection, enabling them to recognize their value and maintain control over their lives. The Older & Co journal is structured into three main sections to promote holistic health and connectedness.
The Older & Co portfolio also includes Gatherly, a user-friendly platform designed to support older adults in finding and or organizing local events, tailored specifically for their needs. It prioritizes security and accessibility to ensure that connecting with others is safe and straightforward. Here, digital technology is used to foster real-life interactions rather than replace them.
Gatherly, designed to support in-person socialization in older adults.
Older & Co also includes a digital platform tailored specifically for adults aged 55 and over who are navigating significant life changes. It facilitates the establishment of daily routines, centered around conversation prompts focused on holistic wellbeing, mindfulness, and optimism. These prompts are designed to help users reflect on their experiences and foster a positive outlook on life.
JOEL GIAMBRA JR.
Joel Giambra Jr. is a purpose-driven UX designer passionate about tackling complex problems through a user-centered approach. He excels at delving into the needs and motivations of the people behind the problems, striving to invent and simplify solutions that enhance user experiences.
jgiambra1@sva.edu | joel-giambra.com | LinkedIn @joelgiambrajr