Third Age Design

Those who support people who are living with dementia can become used to the way the condition is "managed" in our own countries, with a major impact on the people relying on us for care, the staff, family members, facilities and more. How do we safely challenge these fixed ideas to see what might support a better quality of life? International dementia advocate, Dr. Cecilia Chan, our gu...

The direction of design for older people is currently centred on wellness and the impact of biophilic design. In Part 2 of our look at the relationship between biophilia and wellness, host Lori Pinkerton-Rolet is joined by specialists from Nottingham Trent University (UK) during their in-depth study on this topic, this time with a focus on establishing the personal preferences of care home researc...

The direction of design for older people is currently centred on wellness and the impact of biophilic design. What scientific proof exists that these environments are vital for well-being, and how can this be tested in a robust and objective way? In Part 1 on this topic, Lori talks to three academic specialists from Nottingham Trent University, in the United Kingdom, amid their in-depth study of t...

This month we feature an episode from the Third Age Design archives, a Best of TAD favourite which was based on substantial research that indicates pets have important health benefits including: improved mood, lower blood pressure, increased exercise rates and a reduction in stress. But...in senior living, do these benefits outweigh any risks, and how might these be reduced by getting both the off...

According to Alzheimer’s UK, the number of people living with dementia is set to increase from an estimated 57 million back in 2019 to 153 million by 2050. Let’s fight back! Join Lori and her guest Dr. Rob Winningham, professor in psychological science and in gerontology at Western Oregon University, as they discuss essential information on brain health in later life. We don’t ignore the body eith...

In 2025 alone, global losses from fraud have been estimated at between 442 and 534 billion US dollars. Many schemes specifically target older people, who are often more trusting, while at the same time less technologically adept. To protect yourself - and seniors for whom you have any responsibility - listen to this episode's conversation between Lori and Joan Campbell, a retired Police Officer an...

We start our 6th season with an interview in which our host is actually our guest! TAD Marketing Director, Valerie Adler, talks to Lori about the importance of “Wellness” as a concept, and the launch of the Wellness Interior Design Audit (WIDA). Wellness should be more than just a marketing phrase. The audit, a result of a year of research and peer-reviewed by a panel of sector experts, is a self-...

Lighting is a integral part of designing any interior space, but it takes on added significance in situations where older people may not go out as often as they might have when they were younger. In this episode, Kam Dhatt, an international expert in circadian lighting, joins Lori for a discussion that touches on his research into chronobiology and the neuroscience of light. Even if you think you...

In Part 2 of Lori’s interview with Geraint Thomas, of Guided Innovation, we learn about what we should expect AI to do, and what we shouldn’t let it near...as well as a potential future for the use of driverless cars for staff members and much, much more. Geraint has chosen this month’s ‘Innovation Spotlight’ for us, too, and it relates to an interesting new direction in technology for senior livi...

In Part 1 of Lori’s interview with Geraint Thomas, Director and founder of Guided Innovation, we’ll hear why so many technology companies have entered the market and how users in the health and social care sectors can best assess the types of tech they actually require.  This month’s Innovation Spotlight shines on ‘full-spectrum environmental monitoring,’ offering contributions to wellness of both...

If you speak with anyone in the Care industry about their number one challenge, staffing usually tops the list. In this episode we unpick elements which might make it easier to recruit and - as important - retain staff. Perhaps you’ve noticed that recent immigration policy and Brexit haven’t helped! Join us as there are some environmental ‘easy wins’ which Lori discusses with this month’s special...

In Part 2 of Lori’s interview with Susan Ryan, CEO of The Green House Project, we learn the secrets behind their unique staff retention rates, and how to adapt a senior living model to wildly different cultural norms. Truly essential listening!

What if access to nature were seen as essential , not optional, in eldercare? In this episode, Susan Ryan of The Green House Project explores how integrating outdoor space and the rhythms of the natural world into small-home care models is transforming life for residents and staff alike. From gardens that spark memory to front porches that foster connection, the Green House approach goes far beyon...

What happens when dementia care meets life on the farm? In this episode of Third Age Design, Lori Pinkerton-Rolet talks with Rebekah Churchyard, founder of Green Care Farms - Canada’s first dementia day program on a working farm. Discover how alpacas, goats, gardening, and the great outdoors bring joy, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose to participants. Rooted in biophilic design and inspi...

In this episode, Lori and tile expert, Luke Thurtle, dive into the world of tile design, offering essential advice for senior environment designers, architects, and care home owner/operators. Luke tackles the confusion around slip resistance, explains why aiming for an R13 rating isn’t always the best choice and advocates for pendulum testing in wet and dry conditions. He also shares insights on t...

For our listeners: this recording was a TAD EXTRA that was too good not to share to our wider podcast audience. Please enjoy this further exploration of our visit to The Hogeweyk, the world famous, world class dementia village on the outskirts of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Then Join Us at thirdage.design to make sure you enjoy all of the benefits of being part of our community. Because, remember... W...

Bariatric care is a crucial consideration in care settings, and specifically addresses the needs of plus-sized individuals. TAD host, Lori Pinkerton-Rolet, talks to expert Tracy Carr, of Fat Lot She Knows, to explore essential design solutions, including supportive furniture, wider spaces and staff training to create safer, more inclusive spaces that cater for higher weight needs. This month’s Inn...

Biophilia was coined from a theory of the biologist, E. O. Wilson, who stated that human beings have an innate and even genetically determined affinity to nature. In other words, it is important that this connection is kept to facilitate wellness. In this episode, Dr. Vanessa Champion, editor and founder of The Journal of Biophilic Design , joins Lori to review initiatives which can be taken in se...

As Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky, said: “Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.” As designers of retirement, care or dementia facilities we know that some older people may spend a great deal of time indoors, therefore colour and associated finishes become a critical tool in the development of uplifting and enjoyable environments. Join Lori and her guests Tony Westgarth and Dawn...

In our Year End Special, host Lori Pinkerton-Rolet travels to the Netherlands to interview Eloy van Hal, co-founder of Hogeweyk Village, the renowned, pioneering dementia care facility. How does the supermarket function has the hub of the care home? Why should we be redefining safety and risk when it comes to dementia environments? Listen to find out the lessons learned, what has changed since thi...

Senior Living, residential care and dementia design is a constantly changing landscape. TAD host Lori Pinkerton-Rolet is joined by two of the top designers from within this sector in the United Kingdom: Diana Celella and Tracey Richards, for a lively discussion about current and future changes sure to resonate with listeners from around the globe. This is Part 2 of a 2-part discussion recorded and...

Senior Living, residential care and dementia design is a constantly changing landscape. In this episode, two top UK designers from this sector, Dianna Celella and Tracey Richards, join TAD host Lori Pinkerton-Rolet for a lively discussion about current and future changes that are sure to resonate with listeners from around the globe. This is Part 1 of a 2-part discussion recorded and hosted by Sha...

What if we were to reimagine senior living around active aging principles that empower older adults to live with purpose, engagement and continual growth? It's not just buildings that need to be designed with a purpose in mind; the people using them also need purpose. We are joined by the founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging, Colin Milner, who believes that retirement c...

While true innovators are rare, they contribute to moving society forward in previously unexplored ways. In international interiors, product design, as well as fashion, one truly innovative designer's name pops to the top of the list: Sue Timney. She recently received her first senior living commission for luxury retirement from Wallacea Living in the UK. In this episode, Lori and Sue discuss...

In December 2023, we reviewed a landlocked cruise lifestyle for Independent and Assisted Living , based in the US and designed for the US market. In this episode Third Age Design engages with what happens when an operator takes this a step further, creating a truly international resort for Senior Living. As part of our continuing World Series of Design, join Lori and her guest, Line Coleman, of Ci...