Date: 25 April 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. JST
Location: 2F Reception Hall, UNU Headquarters, Tokyo
Event Page: https://unu.edu/conversation-series/bridging-care-across-cultures-designing-sociotechnical-systems-ageing-global
Summary: On 25 April, the United Nations University (UNU) hosted Bridging Care Across Cultures: Designing Sociotechnical Systems for Ageing in a Global Society at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The event featured a conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Mynatt, Dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, moderated by Kyra “Kiki” Bowman, UNU Head of Communications.
As populations age worldwide, the need for innovative and culturally attuned approaches to eldercare is becoming increasingly urgent. Dr. Mynatt explored how assistive technologies are evolving beyond the traditional medical model, emphasizing that effective support for older adults must account for the broader sociotechnical systems in which care occurs—networks of caregivers, technologies, institutions, and social practices.
Drawing on more than two decades of work in pervasive computing and human-centered design, Dr. Mynatt discussed how technological interventions can strengthen human relationships, enhance independence, and support communication, decision-making, and emotional connection across distributed care networks. The conversation also highlighted how cultural differences shape caregiving strategies globally.
Part of the UNU Conversation Series, the event encouraged active audience participation and concluded with a reception where attendees continued the discussion over refreshments.
This program was presented as part of UNU’s 50th anniversary (UNU@50) celebration.
Time: 6:30 p.m. JST
Location: 2F Reception Hall, UNU Headquarters, Tokyo
Event Page: https://unu.edu/conversation-series/bridging-care-across-cultures-designing-sociotechnical-systems-ageing-global
Summary: On 25 April, the United Nations University (UNU) hosted Bridging Care Across Cultures: Designing Sociotechnical Systems for Ageing in a Global Society at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The event featured a conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Mynatt, Dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University, moderated by Kyra “Kiki” Bowman, UNU Head of Communications.
As populations age worldwide, the need for innovative and culturally attuned approaches to eldercare is becoming increasingly urgent. Dr. Mynatt explored how assistive technologies are evolving beyond the traditional medical model, emphasizing that effective support for older adults must account for the broader sociotechnical systems in which care occurs—networks of caregivers, technologies, institutions, and social practices.
Drawing on more than two decades of work in pervasive computing and human-centered design, Dr. Mynatt discussed how technological interventions can strengthen human relationships, enhance independence, and support communication, decision-making, and emotional connection across distributed care networks. The conversation also highlighted how cultural differences shape caregiving strategies globally.
Part of the UNU Conversation Series, the event encouraged active audience participation and concluded with a reception where attendees continued the discussion over refreshments.
This program was presented as part of UNU’s 50th anniversary (UNU@50) celebration.
Location
UNU Headquarters in Tokyo (2F Reception Hall)
Start Date
End Date