Growing into Life

Growing into Life is a research publication developed through the 2024/25 Across RCA programme, an interdisciplinary initiative at the Royal College of Art. Under the theme Caring Society, we explored ageing and its perception in contemporary culture, examining the gap between public assumptions and lived experiences.

We began by surveying individuals aged 18–35 and found that while 64% believed daily life would become significantly more difficult with age, only 27% felt they had a clear understanding of the specific challenges. This highlighted a gap between perception and reality, leading us to ask:

How can sharing real-life experiences of older adults help younger generations better prepare for the realities of ageing?

To explore this, we partnered with MHA Communities West London, a charity that supports older adults. Through a series of creative workshops, we engaged with over 30 community members, collecting personal stories that offer fresh perspectives, dismantle age-related stereotypes, and promote intergenerational empathy.

This publication is more than just a response to our research questions. It is a testament to the power of co-design, demonstrating how collaboration can create meaningful impact. The outcome empowered the community by serving as a valuable resource for MHA Communities West London’s fundraising efforts. Ultimately, we hope Growing into Life will serve not only as a record of shared experiences but also as a practical resource for future researchers, designers, and community leaders seeking to build bridges across generations.