The New Economic Reality: Demographic Winter One of the most ominous events of modern history is quietly unfolding. Social scientists and economists agree – we are headed toward a demographic winter which threatens to have catastrophic social and economic consequences. The New Economic Reality reveals the dangers now facing the world’s economies and societies as human capital dramatically declines and an aging population structure becomes pervasive – dangers far more imminent than global warming and at least as severe. Video Rating: 5 / 5
Urban Futures senior advisor David Baxter was the keynote speaker at the recent The Canadian Construction Association held in Vancouver. Baxter explained the impact of a shrinking labour force, an aging population, and the need for construction to expand past its traditional labour pool. Given lengthening life spans and a ballooning population of seniors, it is vital that more infrastructure is built to serve that cohort, but that same age group is also retiring from high level positions in the construction industry, causing a significant labour gap. The solution, he said is increased immigration, along with drawing from non-traditional sources for labour such as women, aboriginal workers and the disabled. Baxter also outlined the changing business climate for Canadian firms, pointing to opportunities in green building and overseas work, while cautioning that foreign companies will do the same in Canada. Long term, he said, non-residential construction will be the driver that keeps the industry moving forward. JOC DIGITAL MEDIA
Moving Beyond Age to Better Design Major companies are failing to recognize the impact of the aging population on the design of their products and services; as these products and services are developed, consumer insight and usability is happening too late in the process – or not all. Further, there is little recognition that designing well for an aging population creates better design for all. These panelists know thoughtful design complements an aging society, producing beautiful, usable and smart products. Join this conversation about elevating design as a key quality of life factor for every population in society. Moderator: Lori Bitter, host of “The Business of Aging” on Positive World Radio Netork/President & CEO of Continuum Crew and Crew Media/Founder of the Moving Beyond Age Coalition Panelists: Gadi Amit, President/Principal Designer, New Deal Design and Contributor to Fast Company Jason Popko, Robert Bosch Healthcare and Founder of Good Design Age Well www.scuboomerventure.com
The MIT AgeLab and The Hartford Advance 50 Team present Shaping Life Tomorrow: A Conversation on the Future of Aging, Business and Innovation. Shaping Life Tomorrow is a forum for business leaders, advocates, practitioners and researchers in the domains of transportation, social media, housing and health to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that an aging population presents to business and to government. This event marked a 10 year relationship between the MIT AgeLab and The Hartford Advance 50 Team that focuses on research to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families.
The Daihatsu PICO two-seater electric vehicle represents a new category of vehicle positioned between light automobiles and motorized bicycles. The Daihatsu PICO has been developed as a model offering the appeal that only a compact car can provide to accommodate social and environmental changes such as the aging population, regional locations and delivery businesses. A newly-imagined two-seater EV commuter offering snug closeness with people and the environment. Daihatsu’s proposition for a new vehicle geared to the times with an aging population, regional locations and delivery businesses, offering the appeal that only a compact car can provide while accommodating changes in society and the environment. The ultimate vehicle for personal use which is ideal for short trips on a daily basis A layout featuring large openings and a low, flat floor that makes it easy to get in or out A front-and-back two-seat configuration designed for ease of use in small and narrow spaces Driving assistance with advanced radar Video Rating: 5 / 5
om Gillaspy, Minnesota State Demographer, discusses Minnesota’s aging population, and its implications for the future of transportation in the state. How can we cut 5% from our budget this year, and increase the outcomes of the government? Video Rating: 0 / 5
