Re: I would like to ask for a little information

I am a Fringe Luddite.

Re: I would like to ask for a little information

The first thing I would say is that there really isn't a "senior demographic" of any significance in any terms other than the fact that certain people share the same age group. If you put ten 65 year olds in a room together, you would find a hugely disparate group of people in terms of social class, political views, health, activity level, intelligence, educational level etc etc. I have a fairly wide group of friends based on interests, politics, work etc, but very few are in my "age demographic."

1. Health is important. The product design I create must support physical independence or at the least not impede it.

Health is crucial, but it is not necessarily age-related. A disabled teenager and a disabled 70 year old may require a similar health-related "product"

2. Do not equate "elderly" with "less able."

Definitely - At 65 I am considerably fitter and more active (both physically and mentally) than my children. Some of my friends are in their 40's and are physically much "older" than I am.

- The senior demographic is very social and hobby oriented.

Again - it depends upon the individual not their age. I've always been an anti-social old git (even as a teenager) whereas my wife loves to socialise and always has done. "Hobbies" sounds a bit "twee" - I think that what happens is that when people retire, if they are lucky, they have the time to indulge a variety of interests that they had no time for while working. For example my wife and I founded and run a dog rescue charity when we retired from full-time work - it can be 24/7 involvement so |"hobby" doesn't really do it justice.

- Many seem to keep pets

We have always had dogs and still do - age is irrelevant.

- Do not wish to appear infirm

I think that many older people, especially the disabled do not wish to be treated as infirm. My wife is disabled with chronic arthritis and often uses a wheelchair. What really annoys her is (a) when people treat her as if she is mentally incapable as well as physically - talking loudly and slowly to her as if she is suffering from dementia (they are very quickly disabused of this notion); and (b) when people don't even acknowledge her and talk directly to me.

- Do many often function as caretakers for spouses?

If their spouses are disabled in any way, yes. My wife is disabled and I am her 24/7 carer as there are many things she is not able to do for herself - much to her eternal annoyance.

- What is your relationship with your grandchildren like?

Our grandchildren are very precious to us. Both of us had very positive relationships with our own grandparents and want to offer the same kind of relationship to our grandchildren.

- What is the most important thing when you're past a certain age? Your children, your legacy, enjoying life, autonomy?

All of those in equal measure. We are extremely fortunate (in emotional terms not financial) and have never been happier. We support our children with love and provide them with a home in which they and their children are always welcome. Autonomy is always important as we have always been extremely independent. Our legacy (we hope) will be the lovely people that our children and grandchildren are or will become.

- What are your thoughts about monitoring systems in your home?

I can honestly say that this isn't something we have ever given a moment's thought to.

I would also like to know in general about how life is different from when you're say, 30 years of age. Little things, like the way you choose the clothes you buy, spend your free time, do housework etc. Or how your views on the world change, if they do.

We both have a lot less disposable income than we had when we were 30. We tend to buy a lot of our clothes from charity shops.
One major change is in communication - with the internet we are in constant communication with friends and acquaintances all over the world with whom we have shared interests. I am a lot less physically active than I was when I was 30. Then I was rock-climbing, mountaineering, surfing, playing Rugby, Volleyball and Football. Now I walk the dogs and do the occasional sled dog race with them.
My views on the world have changed a little but my attitude has changed more. I am much less certain and dogmatic about things now than I was when I was younger.

Hope that helps

Re: I would like to ask for a little information

That's as far as I got before thinking some very unkind thoughts

Re: I would like to ask for a little information

Me too, the second I read that word 'elderly' I stopped!

Re: I would like to ask for a little information

I feel sort of empty, thinking that we will probably never hear from Mikaella again, an opportunity missed for communication, oh well.