# Senior Infrastructure Designers & developers are making spaces friendlier for older demographics. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Jul 30, 2020 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/senior-infrastructure ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Senior Infrastructure trend? **Senior Infrastructure:** City infrastructure is being adapted to accommodate the senior community through design-forward features that motivate activity, preserve health and safety, or simply allow for intermittent rest. These developments show a commitment to making spaces more accessible. ## The consumer insight behind the Senior Infrastructure trend Many senior citizens are emphasizing their desire for independence, both in public and private spaces, and this prompts a demand that advocates for more accessible designs within the city environment. When this is taken into consideration and the accessibility needs of an older demographic met, consumers become increasingly confident and comfortable to be active outdoors, ultimately allowing them to combat feelings of loneliness which tend to be common for the senior community. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 8, 2020 to Apr 19, 2022 - Published: Jul 30, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Senior Infrastructure trend ### Senior-Friendly Infrastructure Design-forward features that motivate activity, preserve health and safety, and accommodate the needs of senior citizens in public and private spaces are becoming increasingly important as the aging population grows. ### Innovative Seating Solutions Furniture designers are creating seating solutions that save space in public areas and homes, while also offering added support for those with mobility problems. ### Autonomous Public Transportation Public transportation is being revolutionized by autonomous, easy-to-use pods that can be summoned via smartphone, color-coded for different purposes, and have a low level hop-on style to make them more accessible. ## What the Senior Infrastructure trend means for industry ### For Interior Design and Architecture Designers are making spaces more accessible to seniors through innovations in seating, infrastructure, and public transportation. ### For Public Transportation The move towards autonomous, user-friendly public transportation pods will revolutionize the way we move in cities. ### For Senior Services Businesses that engage with the senior community will need to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of an aging population, particularly when it comes to accessibility and independence. ## Workshop question How might your brand accommodate the older consumer's need for independence? ## Trend signals for Senior Infrastructure Trend score 5.6 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 84%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 84% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the Senior Infrastructure trend 6 featured examples from Apr 8, 2020 to Apr 19, 2022. - [Hop-On Public Transportation Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-transportation-pods): The 'Rolla' Autonomous Transportation Pods are Forward-Thinking (Category: Eco) Implication: The Rolla pods could revolutionize public transportation, offering a more efficient and cost-effective way to move large groups of people. - [Ultra-Flat Wall-Mounted Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flair-chair): The 'Flair' Chair Stays Completely Out of the Way When Not in Use (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The 'Flair' chair presents an opportunity for furniture designers to create innovative and space-saving seating solutions for various applications. - [Social Distancing Visitation Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-social-contact-pod): 'The Social Contact Pod' Mitigates Contamination Risks (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunity to innovate patient care and reconnect families during the pandemic by deploying social visitation pods in senior care facilities. - [Elderly Extended Arm Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/troi-chair): The 'T’ROI' Chair Offers Sitting and Standing Support (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Furniture makers who address the needs of an aging population have an opportunity to gain market share - [Seat-Integrated Stairwell Handrails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rest-for-a-while): The 'Rest For A While' Staircase Offers a Place to Sit (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Integrating seat-embedded handrails in architectural designs presents new opportunities to enhance accessibility and convenience for users. - [Senior-Focused Exercising Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exercising-park): This Senior Exercise Park Was the Result of Community Engagement (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Opportunities for urban planning firms to incorporate senior-focused infrastructure into their designs and create inclusive spaces for different age groups. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)