LIVING WISER

rlopezvazquez
Oct 25, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Jun 16, 2024

An active empowerment project in Lavapiés

THE CHALLENGE

"Sabias", is the solution to the challenge of designing products and services to promote the sustainability of the Madrid neighborhood of Lavapiés, addressing social, cultural, economic and environmental needs.

Within a global context of increasing aging of the population, Spain will be the country with the oldest population in 2050, surpassing Japan, by multiplying this proportion by two, up to 44%.

In Lavapiés, currently one in four inhabitants is over 65 years old. So, according to these projections, more than half of its population will be "older.

The Sabias project seeks to address the needs and improve the quality of life of older people in the neighborhood and is framed within the global objectives of the Agenda 2030 and the WHO Strategy for healthy aging.

THE RESEARCH

After ethnographic research with elderly residents of the neighborhood and users of the Antón Martín Senior Center, as well as various interviews with professionals and volunteers, and extensive readings and inspirations, a clear idea emerged: older people feel sidelined and yearn to be recognized for their agency, to be and offer value to others.

What if they didn't feel discriminated against?

What if, like in the Japanese island of Okinawa, one of the world's longest-living places, older people felt empowered and remained active?

(Silvia. User interview. Image from La Gafería, neighborhood optician)

SOLUTION DESIGN

"Sabias" proposes an innovative approach with three key pillars:

Empowerment: Aims to give older people greater participation, providing them with an active and proactive role.
Bias combat: Addresses biases towards older people that negatively impact their self-esteem and well-being.
Visibility: Highlights the positive reality of senior people, recognizing their experience and wisdom.

It is designed following clear principles:

Name: Sabias, in feminine, because gender focus is crucial and we are commited to using an inclusive language.
Role reversal: wiser people are the protagonists, actively contributing and participating.
Flexible and tailored compensation: because the value they provide is significant.
Empowerment (inward) and awareness (outward) as the core of the service.
Complementarity with existing services for older people, filling an important gap.
Focus on Prevention during a vital transition from "active" age to retirement or "mature" age.
Personalized professional mediation to ensure the program's success.

BUSINESS MODEL

The model relies on collaboration with multiple agents and strategic partners, including organizations like Grandes Amigos, the Union of Pensioners, and local business associations in Lavapiés. The proposal materializes in the pilot program "Living Wiser," scaling as it gains recognition and public support.

IMPLEMENTATION PHASES

Awareness
Registration
Participation
Evaluation

VALIDATION

Iterating the idea with different stakeholders was crucial to refine and consolidate the solution:

The underlying idea of empowerment seems powerful and accurate (Fabio, Grandes Amigos Foundation).

RESULTS

The pilot program has already benefited residents like Maricarmen and Lola, demonstrating that knowledge exchange can improve the quality of life for older people and contribute to a more inclusive community.

CONCLUSION

"Sabias" is a call for collaboration, inviting the community to join the mission of harnessing untapped knowledge and showcasing the wisest people in the neighborhood, contributing to active and healthy aging.