As America gets older, firm designs for the elderly

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that one in five Americans will be 65 or older in the year 2030. That’s why the architecture and design firm Corgan is conducting research to help design LAX’s new terminal slated for 2020. 

Corgan is helping accommodate this shift in demographics with the help of a GERT suit, which is designed to make the wearer experience what it is like to be 40 years older. It has an assortment of glasses to mimic degenerative eyes, and headphones to demonstrate hearing loss. It also uses special shoes to create an unsteady gait and extra weight to simulate loss of muscle mass.

As much as we hate to admit it, the old can occasionally feel like a burden when they struggle to keep pace. Next time, take a moment to see the stairs from their point of view, listen with their ears, or walk an airport concourse in their shoes. You’ll quickly realize how many little things their love conquers every day just to be with you.

And if those shoes are a little uncomfortable, don’t worry. You have plenty of time to break them in.