How Design Thinking Can Help California Elderly

One of the latest buzz phrases, “design thinking,” has become synonymous with creating products targeted specifically to the elderly. But the actual meaning of design thinking is comprised of so much more: developing solutions to problems through products that make life easier – no matter the age of the intended user.

While California elderly can certainly benefit from the development of carefully thought out products, such as technology to provide better medication management through smartphone apps, or specialized chairs designed to help with bathing of dementia patients, the most effective and long-reaching design thinking spans the generations. It involves stepping into a variety of users’ shoes and trying to meet their wide-ranging needs through a global solution.

A good example is Nintendo’s extremely popular Wii game system. Enjoyed by California elderly, youth, and everyone in between, rather than trying to solve a need to address their weaknesses, its exceptional design places a focus on the strengths of its users. Simply put by Kavan Peterson, Editor, ChangingAging.org, “Do not design based on decline”.

CareWorks Health Services can offer tips on helpful tools that work successfully for our aging clients, and for the family and friends who care for them. Let us show you how we can help.