ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I didn't see anyone mention this more prosaic point, but as both a staff
member and an over-60 person, the biggest thing that museums don't seem
to notice is the needs of those of us who wear bifocals. I remember
poo-pooing this myself before I had to wear them.  It's reeeeally hard
on your neck to go thru exhibits trying to read labels placed at high
levels. Increasing type sizes somewhat can help everyone too, not just
those wearing glasses. I don't at the minute feel that I need special
programs targeted to "my" demographic, but some attention to physical
needs is always helpful. 

Mary Montgomery
Curator/Librarian
Museum of History & Industry, Seattle

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Stuart Kohlhagen
Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2008 4:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: We are all getting older

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
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*****

It's true we are all getting older.......

individually and as societies.

As part of some scoping for our centre's future priorities I'm looking
into what sort of programs, exhibitions, facilities and initiatives
centres have developed that target or cater for this growing demographic
( mature aged, empty nesters, semi-retired).

You might be running special programs, or making some programs available
at specific times, or in certain locations.
You might be providing topics that cater to their interests, or making
existing material available through specific channels that suit this
audience.

Reversing the direction, are you doing anything to help these people
connect and contribute to your centre, and its programs?

Has anyone done ( or is aware of) any research into the needs/interests
of this demographic which they can share?

let me know on list or off, and I'll provide a digest of the results.

Stuart Kohlhagen
Manager Research and Development
Questacon
The National Science and Technology Centre Canberra Australia

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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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