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WALKIE
Reducing loneliness & social exclusion of the elderly by building models to support Intergenerational Interaction.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
HOW MIGHT ONE PRIORITIZE SOCIAL INCLUSION OF THE ELDERLY & INCENTIVIZE INTER-GENERATIONAL
INTERACTION?
CHALLENGES
Elderly population in India will increase from 143 M in 2021 to 173 M in 2026
80% elderly in India are leading a vulnerable, lonely and disconnected existence without adequate social support.
In the face of growing challenges- including an acute housing affordability crisis, extreme weather, social isolation, and an aging population- our social connections are one of the strongest resources we have to chart a more sustainable, resilient path forward.
My Role
This research was initially conducted as part of my pre-thesis exploration of "Effects of Intergenerational Interaction on the Wellbeing of the Elderly"
The project later took the shape of a comprehensive program manual and workbook to support the planning and implementation of intergenerational services amd events in various neighbourhoods, institutions and workplaces.
This was an independent project, highlighting my core competencies in
Service Design
Program Design
User Research
Publication Design
Program Management
RESEARCH : Understanding needs and expectations
LITERATURE REVIEWS. SURVEYS (100+ elderly). IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS
A persona-building exercise was conducted to map the psycho-social model of 4 kinds of elderly people among us.
This was done by cross evaluating and validating the in-depth interviews with the online survey. (80+ participants above 55)
SYNTHESIZING MAIN POINTS FROM RESEARCH INTO OBJECTIVES
- Improve the holistic well-being of the elderly by targeting their biological, psychological and social health
- Increase intergenerational interaction; thus, creating deeper bonds by designing experiences that foster creativity, an active lifestyle and connections.
- Help caregivers, institutions and organizations host and design intergenerational programs that appropriately cater to the needs of the elderly
& most importantly improving accessibility and incentivizing communities to host intergenerational events through an exhaustive step-by-step guide
SOLUTION BUILDING :
PROBLEM REFRAMING // leading questions
WHAT CAN DESIGN DO TO FOSTER COLLECTIVE PARTICPATION WITHIN
ORGANIZATIONS AND SPACES?
HOW CAN ORGANISATIONS IMPLEMENT INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMS TO ENABLE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND INCLUSION WHILE MAINTAINING AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY?
IDEATION + SERVICE BLUEPRINTING // miro board
Customer Journey Map , Business Model , Service Architecture , Ideation
WHAT // WHY // HOW
I developed this toolkit to support individuals and community partners implementing the WALKIE initiative. Its goal is to help schools, institutes, youth organizations, and community partners launch an intergenerational bonding program that will:
(i) enhance the quality of life for seniors and individuals with dementia, and
(ii) empower the younger generation to connect with and understand seniors and those affected by dementia.
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