Age Forward Lab on May 16, 2025, in Graz
With the Age Forward Lab, I’ll be at Design Month Graz on May 16, 2025—shining a light on the challenges of demographic change, the opportunities of age diversity, and the driving force of design. A day full of inspiration, lively discussions, and hands-on workshops.
By Robert Eysoldt, March 2025
Design Month Graz 2025 is all about “The New Real”—asking bold questions: What does creativity mean when machines think with us? What will happen to our jobs, our business models, our ideas? And who takes responsibility for the new realities we’re shaping? Curated by Creative Industries Styria and supported by local, national, and international partners from the CIS network.
The Age Forward Lab is part of this exploratory program. Why? Because “The New Real” also means this: Demographic change is transforming everything—how we work, how we live, and how we function as a society. It’s one of the greatest challenges of our time. That’s why it’s time to take a closer look and ask the big questions: What decisions do we need to make today to ensure that our work environments, living spaces, and social structures remain future-ready across generations? And what responsibility do design, architecture, and urban planning bear in shaping that future?
Why does this matter right now?
— Scientists predict that living to 100 could soon become the norm.
— The WHO forecasts that the number of people over 60 will reach 2 billion worldwide by 2050—twice as many as today.
— In Austria, according to Statistik Austria, nearly one in three people will be over 65 by that same year.
— At the same time, around 1.3 million baby boomers in Austria are expected to retire in the coming years.
Fact is: Our society is aging—and that changes everything. The lines between working life and retirement are shifting. Companies need to fill positions and retain knowledge. At the same time, we need smart concepts for mobility and living environments that meet the needs of all generations.
Old structures and mindsets no longer fit—it’s time to question them and develop new, creative solutions.
Are there solutions?
There’s no single solution—there never is. But age diversity will be a key part of the answer.
After all, studies show that real age diversity doesn’t just help ease the skills’ shortage—it also drives innovation, by bringing together different generations and their unique perspectives. And that, in turn, strengthens social cohesion.
What’s happening at the Age Forward Lab in Graz?
We challenge outdated narratives, develop new perspectives, and explore how to shape the future of coexistence—with a clear focus on design, architecture, and regional development.
A day filled with thought-provoking insights, dynamic discussions, and hands-on workshops—driven by the questions that truly move us:
Future of Work: How can we create workplaces that foster knowledge transfer, creativity, and meaningful collaboration across generations?
Living & Housing: What kinds of housing concepts enable self-determined living while genuinely bringing different generations together?
Public Spaces: How can we design places that are vibrant, welcoming, and full of intergenerational interactions?
Product Design & Communication: How do we develop products, services, and communication strategies that speak to and connect all generations on equal footing?
When and where is the Age Forward Lab happening?
Friday, Mai 16, 2025
10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Festival Center Hornig Areal
Please note: The lab will be held in German.
The participation fee including drinks, lunch, and snacks is €40.
Who should join?
The Age Forward Lab is tailored to creatives, architects, innovators, industry professionals, and regional planners, as well as decision-makers from business, culture, and politics—anyone who views demographic change as an opportunity to shape a sustainable future.
How to register
Spots are limited!
Secure your spot – just send a short email with a few sentences about why you’d like to join and what you’d like to contribute: office@cis.at
For questions about the content of the Age Forward Lab, please email: ageforwardlab@agebombs.com
Check out the full exciting program online: Design Month Graz.
