Most people want to become old, but nobody wants to be old. This ambiguity, dominating much of the discussion on old age, reflects the mismatch between wanting a long life, but being afraid of potential age-related physical, cognitive and social consequences. Nonetheless, reaching very old age has already become a new reality in most developed countries, with the very old representing the fastest growing group of the population. This longevity revolution will lead to notable challenges for the person, families, and society, urgently calling for solutions. Yet, the societal dialogue is underdeveloped and dominated by aging stereotypes, as very little is known about this late life phase given that empirical evidence is limited.
This Agora project arises from the first nation-wise study on centenarians in Switzerland (SWISS100). Based on a close cooperation between scientists and artists (photographer, scenographer), the project consists in an exhibition in which 28 centenarians will allow the public a very personal view on their life via photos, life stories and words of wisdom. To further enhance reflection, immersive and interactive exhibition elements will be developed (e.g., Centenarian Aging Quiz; virtual aging accelerator; wishboard for old age; innovation contest) to stimulate the visitors’ thinking about their own aging and development, and to positively influence negative aging stereotypes. The exhibition will also stimulate the dialog among generations (e.g., discussion areas, student and senior volunteers) and between the wider public, stakeholders, and researchers (e.g., vernissage, finissage with round-table discussions).
Our ultimate goal is to allow more individuals to age in an optimal societal context, supported by innovative means accounting for their needs and diversity, and to achieve healthy longevity in high quality of life until very old age.
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