Independent Aging in Asian Cities

Often in the American imagination, Asian societies are better places to grow old. This event investigates that premise with panelists who specialize in issues of the elderly in three major Asian cities: Manila, Taipei, and Tokyo. Building on basic demographics, the panelists will look at the evolving living patterns of the elderly in large urban centers and how infrastructure and architecture can facilitate seniors’ independence and well-being.

Speakers:
Dr. Esteban Beita Solano, Associate Professor, CUNY City Tech; Founder, Wabi Design
Tai-Li Lee, Assistant Professor, Pratt University; Partner, New Practice Studio
Melissa Q. Navarra, Assistant Professor, Ateneo de Manila University

Moderator:
Ruth Finkelstein, Executive Director, Brookdale Center for Aging at Hunter College; Professor, School of Urban Public Health

About the Speakers:
Dr. Esteban Beita Solano is an associate professor at CUNY’s City Tech and founder of Wabi Design, a firm specializing in the implementation of traditional Japanese design principals in contemporary architecture.

Tai-Li Lee is a visiting assistant professor at Pratt and a partner at New Practice Studio, an awarded multi-disciplinary studio based in New York City.

Melissa Q. Navarra is an assistant professor at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines where she has dedicated two decades of service to addressing urban poverty issues.

Ruth Finkelstein is the Executive Director of the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging at Hunter College as well as a professor at the School of Urban Public Health.

This event is offered in person and virtually; proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination (for attendees ages 5 and up) with photo ID for adults is required to attend in person. Food and beverages will be served. Face masks are required for visitors ages 2-5, and optional for those vaccinated. Read our full Health and Safety Protocol here.

If you register for an online ticket, you will receive an email with a Zoom link to access the program.