How Businesses can Design Products and Services to Meet the Unique Needs of Aging Consumers

✍️ Opinions

Subham Kumar

Feb 29, 2024 — 4 min read

Designing Products and Services for Aging Consumers, by Deval Delivala

This article has been contributed by Deval Delivala, Co-founder, of GetSetUp.

India's demographic landscape is rapidly evolving, with a significant increase projected in the aging population in the coming years, indicating a rising demand for products and services tailored to older consumers. Recognizing and addressing the unique needs and social determinants of health among aging consumers is a business opportunity and a societal imperative.

Social determinants of health shape our well-being by influencing the environments where we grow, live, and interact. These include our financial status, education, the neighborhoods we reside in, our jobs, the support we receive from friends and family, and our access to healthcare. When businesses understand these factors, it helps them create products and services for older adults that improve their quality of life in the later years, promote healthy aging, and enhance their mental and emotional well-being.

The top areas of interest for the well-being of aging populations, as highlighted by the UNFPA & HelpAge International report, are:

Income Security and Job Opportunities
Healthcare Access and Affordability
Enabling Supportive Environments
Participation and Contribution
Aging in Place
Health and Wellness
Caregiving Services

Income Security and Job Opportunities

Ensuring income security is paramount for older adults to maintain a decent standard of living and meet their basic needs. Providing access to job opportunities and educational programs that update or teach new skills can significantly enhance older adults' financial stability, self-worth, and independence. This approach aids in their adaptation to the changing job market. It also offers them avenues to start new ventures, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment as they age.

Healthcare Access and Affordability

Access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services is critical for promoting health and well-being in old age. This includes medical care and treatments and essential medicines, assistive devices, and health education. Older adults should be able to access these services without experiencing financial hardship, ensuring they can maintain their health and quality of life as they age. Teaching digital tools that help with telephonic or video consultations is a key part. Many products also help with fall prevention, early detection of diseases, and daily monitoring of vitals.

Enabling Supportive Environments

Creating environments conducive to aging well is essential for older adults to thrive. This involves designing communities that are safe, secure, and accessible, with infrastructure that supports mobility and independence. By focusing on inclusivity and accessibility in digital and physical spaces, businesses can empower older adults to participate actively in their communities. Technology makes it easy for them to stay socially connected with friends and family. Providing opportunities for lifelong learning, social engagement, and recreation can build a sense of belonging and purpose.

Participation and Contribution

Older adults have the knowledge, skills, and experiences to contribute to their communities. Recognizing and valuing their contributions can enhance their self-worth and social connectedness, promoting positive aging outcomes. Encouraging older adults to participate in community activities, volunteerism, and intergenerational exchanges can enrich their lives and society. This can help renew a sense of purpose and belonging.

As the Indian government works on addressing the aging population's needs, there's a growing recognition of the importance of industry partnerships. A significant proportion of India's elderly population faces financial dependency and social isolation. Many are unaware of government resources available to them, while others struggle with loneliness. Businesses, particularly startups in social and community support, healthcare, and assisted living, have a vital role in this endeavor.

By leveraging technology and innovation, these startups can develop solutions that provide financial security, access to social support programs, and meaningful community engagement opportunities. Rather than designing with an "old people" label, startups should view the older adult market with a lens of opportunity, recognizing them as engaged, inquisitive individuals keen on learning and empowerment rather than viewing them through a problem-solving prism. The goal should be to enhance the lives of older adults and the future aging population by enabling them to live a healthier, more active, and interconnected lifestyle. Here are some ways in which businesses can meet the needs of aging consumers:

Aging in Place

These startups focus on leveraging technology to enable seniors to age in place comfortably and independently. From smart home devices to telehealth solutions, innovative products can improve the quality of life for aging individuals while promoting autonomy and safety. Technology can also be leveraged to combat social isolation among seniors by creating virtual platforms for social interaction and connection. This innovative approach can help older adults stay connected with loved ones and participate in enriching social activities, nurturing a feeling of community and inclusion.

Health and Wellness

Develop products that support healthy aging by promoting physical activity, nutrition, and mental well-being. This could involve creating wearable devices for monitoring health metrics, smart home technologies for medication management, and online social engagement and cognitive stimulation platforms.

Caregiving Services

As the demand for caregiving services grows, businesses can innovate in this space by offering comprehensive support, from nursing care to assistance with daily tasks. By providing personalized and compassionate care, these services can enhance the quality of life for older adults and their families.

As we look towards the future, a collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society will be essential in creating a culture where aging individuals can thrive with security, independence, and purpose. The journey towards catering to the aging market is not without challenges. Yet, it is filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of millions.