Aging & Social Change: Fifteenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Aging isn’t just about others—it’s about all of us. Every product, service, and space we design today will shape the world we grow old in tomorrow. Yet, design often overlooks older adults, reinforcing biases that leave people out. This workshop is an invitation to rethink how we design for aging, not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to create inclusive, beautiful, and functional experiences for everyone. Through hands-on exercises, we will challenge age-related biases, explore new ways of thinking about design, and envision the future of aging. Participants will uncover barriers older adults face, brainstorm innovative solutions, and test their ideas against real-world needs. Through guided activities, role-playing, and rapid prototyping, we will step into the shoes of our future selves and design with empathy, insight, and intention. At the end of the workshop, participants will receive a workshop booklet to bring back to their institutions, providing a structured guide for continuing these conversations. They will also gain access to the Design for Aging Resource website, a comprehensive repository of tools, literature, and methodologies to support inclusive design. This workshop is for designers and non-designers alike. No matter your background, this is your chance to reshape the way we think about aging—because if we’re lucky, we’ll all experience it someday.

Addressing the Vulnerability of the Elderly Population in Bangladesh

Saiyedatun Nesa
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Population ageing is an emerging global challenge, exacerbated by increasing life expectancy and declining fertility rates. Bangladesh, like many countries, is experiencing demographic ageing, with 9.21% of its population currently over 60 years of age. The growth rate of the elderly population is more than three times higher than the overall population growth, and projections suggest that by 2050, one in five people in Bangladesh will be elderly. This demographic shift presents significant social and economic challenges, including a reduced working-age population, increased demand for healthcare, and higher pension and social security costs. If these issues are not addressed, they may undermine the country's fiscal stability and economic growth. This paper examines the vulnerability of Bangladesh's elderly population and proposes potential solutions. Through qualitative and quantitative research methods, including literature reviews, stakeholder analysis, and surveys, the paper identifies key factors such as social isolation, economic insecurity, and health challenges that contribute to elderly vulnerability. Four policy options were evaluated, with the establishment of senior centers emerging as the most feasible solution. These centers would provide a range of services, including health programs, skill training, and community engagement, to improve the physical and mental well-being of elderly citizens. The paper outlines an action plan for the implementation of this policy, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government, community organizations, and the private sector. Effective implementation could enhance elderly well-being, reduce healthcare costs, and support Bangladesh's development goals, including those outlined in the SDGs and the 8th Five-Year Plan.

You must sign in to follow content.

Sign In