How do different generations meet and, more importantly, interact? Do the diverging interests of all generations have to be treated separately, or do these have to be addressed in a ‘one size fits all’ solution? Current trends like an aging population and societal individualization are slow processes, something we have grown accustomed to. Pressing intergenerational issues regarding the housing crisis, the energy crisis, and overburdened infrastructure demand creative innovations from the future professionals of our working field. Are these crises to be addressed merely in the short term, or are long-term solutions required? New ways should be found, to connect age 0 to 100. 

Laura Bas (1996) is a multiple award-winning Changemaker, Public Speaker and Moderator. As a speaker, she specializes in meaningful youth participation, millennials, gen z and gender equality. Last April, at age 25, Laura addressed the importance of youth participation and gender equality to world leaders at the United Nations with a self-written speech. In addition, she was employed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Youth Ambassador for Sexual Rights and Gender Equality. In that role, she consulted hundreds of young people, who shared insights and recommendations with her. The United Nations is not the only international stage Laura entered. She has spoken at TEDxAmsterdamWomen, Unicef, Microsoft and Girls not Brides. She expanded her knowledge about young people and equal opportunities in the labor market, by conducting research on Millennials & Work together with generation expert Dr. Aart Bontekoning. Moreover, she has been advising several organizations on youth participation.

Emiel Reiding (1970) is director of the Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA). This region has an enormous appeal to people who want to live there, to visitors and companies. However, the high quality of life is under pressure in various areas and requires a leap in scale in a number of areas.
In the MRA, 33 governments work together in the field of spatial development, economy and mobility.
With a share of more than 20% in the gross domestic product, the MRA is the engine of the Dutch economy.
Reiding previously worked at the Ministry of the Interior as director of The National Strategy of Spatial Planning and the Environment, which deals with the future design and development of the living environment in the Netherlands

Jodi Sturge is an assistant professor with the Interaction Design (IxD) group in the Department of Design, Production and Management, Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente. As a health geographer and design researcher, she is interested in how the design of built environments and technology can enhance human interaction, health and well-being. Jodi has a PhD in Demography from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen. Her research focused on the mobility, social health and well-being of people with memory problems and dementia in public space. Jodi has experience conducting transdisciplinary, mixed-method research and evaluation that support inclusive, accessible, and socially sustainable design.

Ageing in place: a socially sustainable approach to planning public spaces and housing for older adults

As the global population ages, more older adults will age in place and live at home. Ageing in place can support personal autonomy however, often older adults experience social exclusion and loneliness, which are risk factors for poor mental and physical health. With a focus on social health, social sustainability and co-design, this presentation will describe research and best practices detailing how the design of public spaces and housing can help alleviate the risk of loneliness and support the social inclusion of older adults and all citizens.