Buzz
Aging is often a sensitive topic. What truly happens to our bodies and minds as we grow older? How should society approach elderly care? Bran Ferren, former president of R&D at Walt Disney Imagineering and founder of Applied Minds, developed the Genworth R70i Aging Experience to help younger individuals understand the physical challenges of aging and encourage meaningful discussions about long-term care.
In collaboration with Genworth Insurance, designers from the special effects studio Spectral Motion crafted a suit that replicates the physical limitations of aging. The suit includes goggles to simulate vision impairments like glaucoma, while weighted gloves and boots mimic the stiffness of arthritis. The footwear is designed to disrupt balance, and an internal mechanism adjusts to replicate posture issues of varying severity.
Ferren describes the simulation as the closest alternative to experiencing aging firsthand. He aims to spark a fresh dialogue among the American public about the realities of growing older.
According to Clint Hope, chief scientist at Applied Minds, the R70i offers limitless potential. The suit can incorporate various sensors to adapt its functionality, allowing users to tailor the experience to specific narratives or scenarios.
The R70i Aging Experience will be showcased by Genworth at the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29, 2015, following the initial launch of the R70 in 2014.
