April 22, 2020
“The first thing that struck me about this book was how well it was designed – visually and structurally. The authors presented a great deal of research and insight in an easily consumable manner. Each of the five chapters was presented in a consistent fashion, including an “anchoring persona” based on ethnographic research. I found these personas and the subsequent future scenarios to be particularly powerful. The anchoring persona strongly empathized with the various challenges of aging – particularly on a social and emotional level. Each chapter closed with a future scenario – a hopeful, positive outcome incorporating the experiential insights, signals of change and design strategies detailed throughout the chapter. These stories really brought the book’s concepts to life in a memorable way.
This book was well-researched from two perspectives: (1) deeply empathizing through ethnographic research – understanding the challenges of aging at a human level, and (2) exploring emerging trends worldwide – not only technology but cultural and social constructs.
I think many types of stakeholders will find this work thought-provoking and useful – policy makers, health care organization leaders, entrepreneurs. However, I think it’s meaningful at a personal level as well – as a son or daughter with aging parents, or someone who is starting to think about their own later stages in life. I highly recommend this book to a variety of audiences. It paints a picture of a very hopeful future, breaking through many of the stereotypes present, reframing what it means to age.”
Check out this podcast with Benjamin Tingey and Jay Gerhart alongside Dr. Zayna Khayat, Future Strategist of SE Health where they discuss The Future of Aging.
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/a-sherpas-guide-to-innovation/e/67940367
