China has the world’s largest aging population – 135 million people are over the age of 65. The frog Shanghai team wanted to understand how design could help address the needs and challenges the elderly currently face and improve their lives. A piece of research was conducted in nursing homes and senior’s homes, and we held a frogCamp workshop to share and validate the research findings with healthcare industry experts, seniors, caregivers and businesses developing products and services for this consumer. Our research inspired a provocation: Instead of designing another product that is used by the elderly, what if we designed something that actually made use of the elderly?

 

I AM MY FAMILY

In China, unlike the Western world, there is no concept of the individual or “me” for the elderly.  Identity is firmly tied to family. Self-identity and self-worth are “realized” through contribution and caring for their family. This is why it’s very common to see an elderly person happily taking care of their grandchildren, as this allows them to continue their role as the caregiver in the family. Mr. Gu is an 85-year-old veteran whose legs were wounded during World War II.  The pain has increased dramatically over the years, so he prefers to sit or lie down unless his family urges him to get up. The only time Mr. Gu would proactively exercise is when he receives his pension, as the money reminds him that as long as he stays alive, he can still “make money” for the family. According to a 2014 national survey of people in 10 major Chinese cities, aged 50 and older, their average pension is around US$415 per month. That’s not even enough to cover a mid-range nursing home. More importantly, most of them are thrifty and have no concept of consumerism.

 

WESTERN INFLUENCES ON FAMILY VALUES

Traditional family values are changing as the younger generations of Chinese become more independent, and seek more space and privacy from their parents. As a result, the elderly are . . . . read more