Patricia Moore provides CGSP Distinguished Lecture

Worcester, MA – Internationally renowned gerontologist and designer Patricia A. Moore knows firsthand what it feels like to experience the everyday world as an elder.

For a period of three years (1979-1982), in an exceptional and daring experiment, Moore traveled throughout the United States and Canada disguised as a woman more than 80 years of age. With her body altered to simulate the normal sensory changes associated with aging, she was able to respond to people, products, and environments as an elder.

Moore, president of Moore Design Associates, was the featured speaker in the first-ever Consortium Gerontology Studies Program Distinguished Lecture Series on October 30 at the Beechwood Hotel. She presented “Aging by Design: Inclusivity for the Lifespan,” to a diverse crowd of 120 that included designers, academics, students, clinicians, practitioners and members of the business sector. The event was sponsored by Fallon Community Health Plan and Summit ElderCare.

Consortium Gerontology Studies Program (CGSP) students from four Consortium colleges engage in the interdisciplinary study of aging and earn a Certificate in Gerontology along with their bachelor’s degree. Participating institutions are Assumption College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, and Worcester State College.

“The annual CGSP Distinguished Lecture Series grew out of a vision and a desire for inclusivity,” said Kelly Niles-Yokum, director of the CGSP. “The purpose of the lecture series is to raise awareness of gerontological issues and increase the visibility of the Consortium Gerontology Studies Program and its community partners. Through the generous sponsorship of our lecture series partners, Fallon and Summit ElderCare, we are able to bring a prominent speaker to the Worcester area who can address relevant issues, trends and future directions in the area of aging.”

“This lecture series was created to promote the discussion of important issues related to aging in America,” said Judy Mackey, director of marketing, Summit ElderCare. “Bringing this program to fruition requires advocacy, leadership, funding and a long-term commitment. I commend Kelly Niles-Yokum whose bold thinking and innovation enabled us all to benefit from having Pat Moore share her expertise with us.”

During her stay in Worcester, Moore also presented “Creating Consortia for Change: Attitudes & Responses for Quality Aging” on October 29 at the Central Massachusetts Older Women’s League (OWL) Fall Chapter Luncheon held at the Worcester Senior Center.

Author of DISGUISED: A True Story, The Business of Aging and OUCH! Why Bad Design Hurts, Moore serves as a leading authority on consumer lifespan behaviors and requirements. Her broad range of experience includes research, product development and design, environmental design, package design, transportation design, market analysis, and product positioning.