AGES3004 Ageing Enterprise: Rise of the Silver Industries

The Ageing Enterprise was described four decades ago as the evolution of a human service sector specific to ageing and funded by governments. Global ageing has given rise to what is referred to as ‘the silver industries’ providing goods and services to a fast-growing market. In this topic, students will examine the ways in which responding to an ageing population requires a different way of thinking to orient to the mind of the customer that breaks free from the traditional ideas about older people and growing older. The role of the gerontologist in programs, organisations, bureaucracies, interest groups, trade associations, service providers, industries and other government and non-government spheres will be essential. From this ageing enterprise, new career paths in gerontology will emerge – this topic will prepare students to engage with, contribute to and/or develop new opportunities to empower older people and enhance their lived experiences in later life.

This topic aims to prepare students to contribute to innovation that supports older people to achieve healthy ageing, citizenship and participation in everyday life.

1. Explain the ‘ageing enterprise’ as it reflects the socially constructed ideas that define later life and the needs of older people as a commodity
2. Describe the rise of the ‘silver industries’ in response to global ageing
3. Compare examples of innovation, design and product development intended to meet the needs and preferences of older people in the 21st century
4. Critically appraise the concept of the ‘Silver Market’ used in the design and development of silver industries
5. Formulate the role of the gerontologist in contributing to innovation in programs, organisations, interest groups, trade organisations, industries and other government and non-government agencies