Age Forward Lab on May 23, 2025, in Berlin
On May 23, 2025, my Age Forward Lab kicks off in Berlin – a one-day gathering of experts and people from all walks of life, packed with inspiration around age and aging, the challenges of demographic change, and the opportunities of age diversity.
By Robert Eysoldt, February 2024
Why is now the right time to talk together about age, demographic change and the opportunities of age diversity?
We are all getting older: According to scientists, people will reach the age of 100 in the future. This will turn life and work models upside down.
Society is (over)aging: According to the WHO, the number of over-60s worldwide will double to 2 billion by 2050, while in Germany the group of over-65s will grow by a third by 2030. At the same time, the birth rate has remained low for years.
The baby boomers are retiring: In the next few years, 12.5 million baby boomers will retire in Germany. Many companies are already having great difficulty filling vacancies.
The fact is: We are in the midst of a profound change that is challenging us to rethink and realign old structures and thought patterns — in the world of work, in social interaction and in the design of our living spaces.
The question is: How do we do that?
There is no one solution — there never is. But could age diversity be a crucial part of it?
After all, studies by renowned institutions show that living age diversity mitigates the shortage of skilled workers. It also drives innovation by uniting different age perspectives and provides smarter solutions for the complex challenges of our time—and thus strengthens social cohesion at the same time.
What happens in the Age Forward Lab?
We take a close look, link perspectives, question thought patterns and break with old narratives in order to understand the opportunities that age diversity offers. And, of course, DEI remains an integral part of the discussion. We look at the topic from different perspectives:
1. Work: How can companies recognize age diversity as an asset? Which work models and flexible work environments foster the transfer of knowledge across generations? How can mentoring programs and lifelong learning be actively implemented?
2. Living Environments: How can urban and rural spaces be designed so that generations not only live side by side but also interact and learn from one another? What role do age-appropriate housing concepts and community-oriented infrastructure play in creating inclusive living environments?
3. Design: How should products, services, and communications be designed to appeal to people of all ages? Which design approaches help overcome age-related barriers and make technological innovations user-friendly?
4. Technology: How can age-tech be developed inclusively without introducing age-related biases in AI and algorithmic models? What role do digital tools play in promoting autonomy and social participation among older adults?
5. Education: How can educational programs and continuing education offerings be designed so that age stereotypes do not take root? Which concepts promote cross-generational exchange in schools, universities, and companies?
6. Health: How can health care, prevention, and well-being be organized to take into account the needs of all generations? Which concepts promote a healthy lifestyle across all stages of life and enable fair access to medical care and nursing?
7. Personal Responsibility: What can you personally do for yourself and others to promote intergenerational dialogue? How can initiatives and community projects help ensure that all generations take responsibility and benefit from one another?
8. Politics: Which political measures and legal frameworks support an age-friendly society? How can public initiatives and private projects be interconnected to promote sustainable solutions?
The Age Forward Lab is fully booked.
A huge thank you to launchlabs Berlin for providing their amazing space for this premiere!
Age Forward Lab is the basecamp of my Age Bombs Expedition into the complex world of aging – a space to share perspectives and explore new paths.
