Our 2026 conference brought together academics and practitioners to critically examine how ageism and the outdated concept of retirement continue to shape attitudes and behaviours towards older people. It explored how demographic change, evolving patterns of work in later life, and accelerating technological innovation are reshaping the future of age inclusive living.
Throughout the day, participants considered whether the traditional notion of retirement still serves society’s needs. Discussions investigated how housing and communities can be designed to better support intergenerational living, as well as how emerging technologies and AI can be confidently and ethically integrated to enhance independence, inclusion, and quality of life.
Thank you to all of our speakers and attendees for joining us for another successful conference.
10am - 10:15am: Welcome
- Dr Bruce Moore, Housing 21
10:15am - 10:45am: Keynote speaker
- Professor Martin Hyde, British Society of Gerontology
10:45am - 12:15pm: Making intergenerational communities
- Chaired by:
- Charlotte Cook, Winckworth Sherwood
- Speakers:
- Emily Abbott, Intergenerational England
- Lois Beech, Housing LIN
- Savannah Fishel, Think it Forward
- Angela Hardman, Phoenix Community Housing
12:15pm - 1pm: Lunch
1pm - 2pm: Redefining later life
- Chaired by:
- Speakers:
- Dr Louise Overton, CHASM, University of Birmingham
- Ashleigh Bryant, CBRE
- Professor Matt Flynn, University of Leicester
2pm - 2:30pm: Break
2:30pm - 3:30pm: AI in later life
- Chaired by:
- Sean Lawless, North Star Housing Group
- Speakers:
- Vicky Carne, 3A-AI Ltd
- Phil Shelton, Housing AI
3:30pm - 4pm: Summary and close
- Dr Bruce Moore, Housing 21