Design for an aging population
By considering the changes that happen to us when we age and careful thought in the contents of the brief, we can produce interiors and environments that can enhance the experience of residents in our Care Homes. In this webinar we discuss those changes and the various ways to produce good interiors.
Learning Outcomes
- The physical and cognitive changes that occur when ageing
- What are the aims when designing for this sector
- Safety and security
- How to approach the project – what should be included in the brief
Meet our Experts

Jenny is a senior occupational therapist. She qualified in 1997 and completed her MSc in Neuro-rehabilitation in 2007. She has worked in Neurological Rehabilitation at the Battle Hospital in Reading, and the Rivermead Rehabilitation Centre in Oxford which became part of the Oxford Centre for Enablement in 2000. She moved into the Specialist Disability Service at the OCE from where she joined the Oxford MND Centre in January 2007.
Since August 2009 Jenny has been funded full-time by the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association to develop NHS wheelchair services across the UK, to improve wheelchair provision for people living with MND.

Gilly started Koubou Interiors in 2004, she has been CPD Director for the BIID and was Past President 2018-2019. Gilly also speaks at various events about designing for the ageing population, especially focusing on design constraints imposed by dementia and other disabilities.
People who watched this also watched...
The importance and impact of good transfer on seating
A wonderful multi-function chair loses its charm if the person using it has difficulties getting in and out. In this two-part webinar, we will look at improving the harmony between the person and their seating during the standing and sitting process.
Swollen legs, stolen lives: how oedema steals mobility and independence
Swollen legs are often dismissed as a minor or inevitable problem. In reality, unmanaged oedema can be the first step toward loss of mobility, independence, and quality of life.
This webinar raises awareness of how lower limb swelling triggers a downward spiral of heaviness, pain, reduced movement, muscle weakness, and fear of activity- often leading to deconditioning and patients becoming 'off-legs.' Everyday coping strategies, such as reduced walking or sleeping in a chair, can unintentionally worsen the problem.
Aimed at all healthcare professionals, this session shifts the focus from treating symptoms to recognising early warning signs and acting sooner. It highlights how simple, timely interventions can protect mobility, prevent avoidable decline, and help people remain independent for longer.
Motor Neurone Disease: how Occupational Therapists can make all the difference
What is Motor Neurone Disease and why should I know more about it?
In this 45min webinar we will examine the aetiology and pathology involved with motor neurone disease. We will look at different types of presentations and how these differ in terms of physical presentation and prognosis. We will explore how MND is diagnosed and what treatment options there are currently. In addition, we will start to explore common symptoms which will require intervention to help manage to improve quality of life and extend life expectancy in people who are living with MND.