Making a Case for Creating Living Labs for Aging-in-Place: Enabling Socially Innovative Models for Experimentation and Complementary Economies

Abstract

Aging is continuously depicted as a force majeure event despite clear and robust premonitions of its coming. However, such depiction serves to justify the unpreparedness and inadequacy of policies manifesting in loneliness and isolation, unsatisfied demands in health and social care, lack of suitably inclusive residential and social facilities, and inequitable access to support and services. Recent years have seen an increase in social innovation that involves alternative transaction models, such as time-banks and circular economies. These initiatives represent collective responses to changes and challenges such as aging by identifying and innovatively capturing and exchanging locally- and freely- available assets with the intent to fulfill economic needs (more affordable goods and services), social ambitions (skills development and exchange, repurposing space, social inclusion, and cohesion) environmental aspirations (up-cycle) and psychological needs (sense of purpose, identity, belonging, recognition). Whilst it is often assumed that ad hoc measures are appropriate to resolve the challenges posed by an aging demographic, the learnt assumption that underpins this work is that aging is a systemic issue and ought to be understood, and resolved, in its context, not by producing niche- relevant policy and interventions, but considering the impacts it has on the whole society. Henceforth it is proposed that truly transformative social innovation for the aging population must consider and resolve the challenges of communities as these are where older adults can stay relevant socially and, in the presented approach, also economically. Through the review of four international case studies, a framework with four cornerstones has emerged. This includes the changing role of local and central governments, the models of value creation, co-creation mechanisms, and finally, technology, especially digital social currency. The concurrent presence of the four factors in the framework is not always a requirement for social innovation to emerge and flourish. However, the presented analysis suggests that all four themes have an impact even when not being direct agents of social innovation. The authors conclude by making a case for developing Living Labs for Aging-in-Place, to experiment and study proposed solutions for systemic challenges facing the aging population, grounded in community-led schemes.

The application of social innovation as it relates to older people and the implications for future policymaking: a scoping review

“…The literature suggests such local partnerships are in a better position to move more quickly to implement a response. Indeed, Spinelli et al (2019) argue that place-based social innovation projects are more likely to be effective and successful. However, Andersen and Bilfedt (2017) argue that localism can become a trap that inhibits the up-scaling of social innovation projects.…”

“…Through early user involvement, it is possible to establish whether the project is appealing, developed in a manner that is easy to use (accessible) and affordable (Sinigaglia and Neary (2015). The inclusion of service users in project development also has resonance with Spinelli et al (2019), who warn that services which are commissioned by others have a tendency for "mission-drift". Paunescu (2014) also believes that there is potential for projects to deviate from the intended mission because of issues such as competition among partners, limited resources and lack of support from formal bodies such as government.…”

“…Also the authors challenge the notion that old people are frail, have nothing to contribute and are an economic burden. This review suggests that papers such as that written in 2014 by Merriam and Kee started to refocus the discussion moving it away from how to manage an ageing population to how to change our perception of ageing to a more positive one and this still remains a key topic of debate(Spinelli et al 2019). Following an earthquake which fractured many communities through physical destruction of geographical areas and the relocation of partial communities meant older people felt isolated.…”

Community-Engaged Research on Social Capital and Older Adults’ Health: Lessons Learned

“…Timebanking is associated with increased emotional and physical wellbeing, decreased social isolation and depressive symptoms, improved independence, and reduced medications and hospitalisations among older adults (Collom 2008;Dakin 2007;Lasker et al 2011;Lee et al 2020). We believe the reciprocity and equality of participant services associated with timebanking make it an advantageous social capital building strategy (Spinelli et al 2019). Our research focused on testing the timebanking model with older adults to improve or maintain their health.…”

A Canadian Rural Living Lab Hospital: Implementing solutions for improving rural emergency care

“…Now, examples of Living Labs can be found in various fields including urbanism, education, technology development, and healthcare. [15][16][17][18][19][20] The Living Lab process is based on a four-step iterative process involving an interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder team. 15 > Co-creation: supports the mindset of using multiple points of view to work through the challenges, constraints and opportunities that arise while creating new scenarios and concepts.…”