GenSpace Director Calls for Revolutionizing Spaces for Older Adults

Wallis Annenberg GenSpace Director Dr. Jennifer Wong wrote a piece for Next Avenue highlighting the importance of changing the way we view centers for older adults. 

The piece is co-authored with Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE, an organization with 42 years of experience supporting LGBTQ+ elders. His expertise providing support to an under-served community paired with Dr. Wong’s experience developing and now running GenSpace offer valuable insight about how we can support our growing population of older adults. 

By 2034, adults 65 and older will outnumber children for the first time. This shift requires more resources and infrastructure to support older adults as they live longer, fuller lives. 

GenSpace is a powerful example of the kind of center that can be created to support creativity and connection for older adults. It defies the stereotype of a so-called ‘senior center,’ which Adams and Dr. Wong argue is an outdated term. Instead, they call for more spaces that reflect the changing stages of life.

 

“In our experience, older adults don't want to spend their time in places built around the notion that they are victims in decline. They want to be in places that empower them to learn, have fun, and grow. Our spaces should reflect this difference and be designed in a way that embraces the idea of new stages in life instead of ages.”
Dr. Jennifer Wong
Director, Wallis Annenberg GenSpace

 

Read the full piece today →

Related News

Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Enters its Second and Final Construction Stage

The National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougars campaign and project partners are celebrating the second and final.

Supporting the Community After LA’s Wildfires: An Update on Relief Efforts 

While the first week of 2025 will be remembered for catastrophic wildfires, powered by historic,.

Chimp Haven Welcomes First of Alamogordo Primate Facility Chimps

Chimp Haven will welcome more retirees from Alamogordo Primate Facility later this spring. Throughout 2025,.

Latest News

More

Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Enters its Second and Final Construction Stage

Read

Supporting the Community After LA’s Wildfires: An Update on Relief Efforts 

Read

Chimp Haven Welcomes First of Alamogordo Primate Facility Chimps

Chimp Haven will welcome more retirees from Alamogordo Primate Facility later this spring. Throughout 2025, the sanctuary will also mark its 30th anniversary by highlighting significant milestones over the last 30 years through special events, stories, and reflections. 
Read

Annenberg Wildlife Crossing Enters its Second and Final Construction Stage

Read

Supporting the Community After LA’s Wildfires: An Update on Relief Efforts 

Read

Chimp Haven Welcomes First of Alamogordo Primate Facility Chimps

Chimp Haven will welcome more retirees from Alamogordo Primate Facility later this spring. Throughout 2025, the sanctuary will also mark its 30th anniversary by highlighting significant milestones over the last 30 years through special events, stories, and reflections. 
Read