Connects - an intergenerational engagement space

• Main Author: Seah, Cassandra Ei Lyn
• Other Authors: Michael Thaddeus Tan Koon Boon
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Visual arts and music::Design::Product
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/74268
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

As our population ages and family structures change, solo elderly households will become more prevalent. Loneliness can affect the wellbeing of older adults. This project aims to develop an intergenerational engagement space to reduce the effects of loneliness and lack of social interaction amongst the elderly. It creates a lively environment that incorporates multi-sensory stimulation, factor of nostalgia, and elements of familiarity as a mean to encourage social interaction. The project also aims to foster intergenerational interaction, bringing benefits to both young and old users while at the same time provide opportunities to utilise their creative skills. The target audience are the elderly age 65 years and above, as well as children aged 1 to 12 years old, that said, it is also open to people from all ages. Designs and concepts were generated by gathering insights from elderly residents and children living around the engagement space. Professors and designers from Nanyang Technological University were consulted to improve on the product design. St Joseph’s Home and Boon Lay Community Centre (Member of Parliament Patrick Tay Teck Guan BBM and Mr. Quek Qiu Peng) were consulted to further improve on the designs and address concerns. A prototype was developed and a short user-feedback session was done at St Joseph’s Home. Staff and occupational therapists appreciated connect for its ability to help the elderly stretch, stimulate their cognitive, sensory and motor skills. In addition, it also helps spark conversations between the young and old. There is potential for Connects to be further developed and implemented at other sites to address loneliness, decreasing circle of friends and lack of social interaction amongst the elderly.