Designing for Dignity

How important is technology when it comes to top-tier senior care?In this episode of Designing for Dignity, Erin Young interviews Christy Rockefeller, a caregiving veteran and with extensive experience at tech companies focused on improving home care. Christy shares her journey into senior care, and her experiences at nursing homes, memory care, hospice, and home care. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding user needs, the challenges of technology adoption, and the impact of cultural perspectives on aging. Christy emphasizes the significance of accessibility in technology, the high stakes of caregiving, and the need for community support to combat isolation and loneliness among seniors. She also discusses the future of specialized elder care communities and offers advice for innovators in the age tech space.💡 What You’ll Learn- How Christy’s early experiences in hospice shaped her perspective on dignity and compassion- Why accessibility and usability are critical in care technology- The challenges of technology adoption in high-stakes caregiving environments- How cultural differences influence our approach to aging and community- Why human connection remains at the heart of innovation in care- What innovators can learn from real caregivers and older adults🧠 Key ThemesCaregiving • Aging • Accessibility • User Experience • Home Care • Loneliness • Community • Cultural Perspectives • AgeTech • Design for Dignity⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:32 – Christy’s Journey into Senior Care03:01 – Educational Background and Career Path05:03 – Experiences in Senior Care and Hospice08:29 – Researching Community Needs in Senior Care12:27 – Cultural Perspectives on Aging and Caregiving14:07 – Understanding User Needs in Care Technology16:30 – Accessibility in Technology for Seniors18:50 – Challenges in Technology Adoption20:37 – Navigating the Caregiving Landscape25:34 – Lessons from User Feedback29:26 – Demographic Influences on Care Needs33:33 – Balancing Business and Care Needs37:25 – High Stakes in Caregiving39:46 – Evaluating Helpful Technologies42:27 – Making Brain Change Manageable45:59 – Addressing Isolation and Loneliness50:41 – Exciting Trends in Aging and Technology55:22 – Future of Specialized Communities56:29 – Advice for Innovators in AgeTech👥 About the ShowDesigning for Dignity is a podcast from Slide UX that explores how thoughtful design can enhance autonomy, connection, and quality of life for people navigating aging or brain change.Each conversation spotlights innovators, caregivers, researchers, and individuals with lived experience—offering insights that bridge technology, empathy, and impact.🔔 Stay ConnectedJoin the newsletterFollow Slide UX on LinkedIn Learn more about Christy🏷️ Hashtags#DesignForDignity #AgeTech #Caregiving #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #HomeCare #Aging #BrainHealth #UXDesign #CareInnovation #Community #Loneliness

What happens when virtual reality becomes a bridge between generations? In this episode of Designing for Dignity, host Erin Young talks with David Wyatt, Head of Communications and Business Strategy at Mighty Coconut, about how the hit VR game Walkabout Mini Golf unexpectedly became a favorite among older players.They explore how VR, aging, and accessibility intersect—and what game designers can learn from older adults who are embracing play in digital spaces.💡 What You’ll LearnWhy half of Walkabout Mini Golf’s players are over 45How the pandemic shaped a new kind of social connection in gamingThe role of accessibility and usability in creating inclusive experiencesHow VR can support therapy, cognition, and well-being in older adultsInsights on intergenerational play and the emotional value of shared experiencesThe importance of balancing novelty with familiarity in user experience design🧠 Key ThemesVR • Aging • Older Adults • Accessibility • Social Connection • Gaming • User Experience • Intergenerational Play • Technology Adoption • Design for Dignity⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Designing for Dignity01:34 – David Wyatt’s Background and Journey03:06 – The Emergence of Older Players in VR06:20 – Understanding the Older Demographic09:40 – Challenges in VR Adoption for Older Adults10:04 – Designing for Accessibility and Usability14:33 – The Importance of Social Connection17:59 – Balancing User Feedback and Development22:07 – Gender Dynamics in Gaming27:24 – The Overlooked Older Audience in Gaming31:16 – Therapeutic Uses of VR for Older Adults34:22 – Surprises in User Experience39:01 – Internal Discussions on Design Principles43:50 – Balancing Novelty and Familiarity in Game Design👥 About the ShowDesigning for Dignity is a podcast from Slide UX that explores how thoughtful design can enhance autonomy, connection, and quality of life for people navigating aging or brain change.Each conversation spotlights innovators, caregivers, researchers, and individuals with lived experience—offering insights that bridge technology, empathy, and impact.🔔 Stay Connected💌 Join the newsletter: slideux.com/newsletter📱 Follow on LinkedIn: Slide UX on LinkedIn🎮 Learn more about Walkabout Mini Golf: https://www.walkaboutmini.golf🏷️ Hashtags#DesignForDignity #AgeTech #VRGaming #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #Aging #BrainHealth #UXDesign #CareInnovation #SocialConnection #WalkaboutMiniGolf