As people live and work longer, many offices are stuck in the past — still designed for a straight career that ends in our mid 60s. But the world is changing. And so should the places where we work.  This Curious Life explores what it really means to design for the 100-year life — not just for older workers, but for all of us. Because the truth is: when workplaces work better for longer lives, they work better for all of us at every age. 

Thanks to better healthcare, evolving attitudes toward retirement, and shifting financial realities, more people are staying in the workforce well into their 60s, 70s — even 80s and 90s. In fact, according to Rest Less, more than 35,000 people aged 80 and over were still working in the UK in 2022. 

But while the workforce is changing, most workplaces haven’t caught up. Desks remain one-size-fits-all. Schedules are rigid. Office design still caters to our younger selves — leaving older workers to adapt, navigate, or burn out in environments that weren’t built with them in mind. 

The good news? Change is coming, and it’s backed by solid research. 

A new study by Norhasdalina Hasim and colleagues, published in Human Resource Management, found that smart ergonomic design — like adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and better lighting — significantly improved comfort and job satisfaction among older employees. One change alone (like a better chair) reduced physical discomfort by up to 30%. 

That’s not just a win for older workers — it’s a win for everyone. 

The Big Shift: Designing for Age Helps Everyone 

Here’s the thing most people miss: Designing for older workers doesn’t mean building a separate space for them. It means making workplaces more thoughtful, flexible, and inclusive — things that benefit all ages. 

According to design expert Professor Jeremy Myerson, spaces that support focus, collaboration, and relaxation help everyone do better work. It’s not about bean bags and nap pods — it’s about getting the basics right: light, sound, comfort, and movement. 

So what does a future-ready, age-smart, 100-year workplace look like? Let’s take a look at a few real-world examples: 

BMW: The Car Plant That Got Older — and Better 

In Germany, BMW faced a problem: their assembly line workers were getting older. Instead of phasing them out, they redesigned the whole line to fit their needs — padded floors, orthopedic shoes, larger fonts, ergonomic chairs, and task rotation. Productivity actually went up 7%. Absenteeism dropped. And younger workers asked for the same perks. 

It turns out, a workplace that works for older people works better for everyone. 

Singapore: Age-Inclusive by Design 

In Singapore, the government is actively helping businesses adapt. Through programmes led by the Centre for Seniors, companies can redesign jobs and spaces to suit older workers — from better lighting and seating to restructured roles. 

One logistics company moved their older employees into less physical, more customer-facing positions — a shift that boosted both employee retention and customer satisfaction. 

MIT AgeLab: The Science of Smarter Workspaces 

At MIT, researchers are exploring how tech and design can support brain health and productivity as we age. Think lighting that syncs with your circadian rhythm. Wearables that detect posture issues before they become injuries. AI assistants that help with memory and scheduling. 

The AgeLab’s work shows that with the right tools, people can stay sharp and productive far longer than we’ve assumed — if the workplace meets them halfway. 

Unilever’s U-Work: Flexibility That Works 

Unilever introduced a working model called U-Work, where people get a retainer and benefits, but choose projects based on interest and availability. It’s not quite freelance, not quite full-time — just flexible and secure. 

Older employees love it. They get freedom without giving up stability. And the company keeps its experienced talent in the mix. 

Based on all this research and real-world data, here are a few of the most impactful (and surprisingly simple) ways to make workplaces age-ready: 

Adjustable Furniture – Chairs with lumbar support and sit-stand desks make a huge difference. 

Better Lighting – Especially task lighting, to ease eyestrain and help those with aging vision. 

Quiet Zones & Sound Masking – Reduces distractions for everyone, especially those who need more focus. 

Encourage Movement – Walking meetings, rest areas, and reminders to stretch help prevent fatigue. 

Flexible Scheduling – Helps workers balance energy levels, caregiving, and other life demands. 

Training & Support – Teaching everyone (managers included) how to use ergonomic tools properly ensures they get used effectively. 

When we design for longer, healthier working lives, everyone benefits. Younger workers avoid early burnout. Parents get more flexibility. Team productivity rises. And we move toward a workplace that’s human-centered — not youth-centered. 

So instead of asking, “How do we keep older workers comfortable?” maybe the better question is: “What if we all worked like we were going to live — and work — to 100?” 

Because increasingly, we will.