The Future Perfect Company

Philippa Aldrich

Well designed, innovative products for people getting older

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“The time to create a country fit to grow old in is now” Dame Joan Bakewell, Voice of Older People, November 2008

Huge demographic shift – more people over 65 than under 16

+Older people increased spending power (£250 billion year)

=No longer a niche but the new mainstream

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Challenges of ageingPhysical Psychological

Problems with manual dexterity Identity, “invisible” “the world is no longer made for me”

Mobility Loneliness

Decline in short term memory Bereavement, fear of death

Hearing problems Boredom

Failing eyesight Frustration, anxiety

Other health problems

But also:More confident, sense of freedom, more time to themselves and to pursue hobbies

and interests, satisfied with life

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Product selection

• Respond to the challenges of ageing• Innovative – new solutions rather than ugly

adaptations• Functional, practical, easy to use• Attractive, desirable and aspirational• Affordable• Profitable – to ensure sustainable businesses

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Product ranges

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Best sellerDouble handled teapot

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Encourage new design

• Designing for the Future competition with University of Brighton

• Local sixth form college

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Inclusive design/design for all

“Design for the young and you exclude the old; design for the old and you include the

young.”

Bernard Isaacs, founding director of the Birmingham Centre for Applied Gerontology

© The Future Perfect Company 9

www.thefutureperfectcompany.com