Episode 10:10 Jem Golden on the Universal Benefits of Green Spaces and Music

As a strategic consultant and policy analyst, Jem takes a global, interdisciplinary approach to addressing the issues of an aging population. Here he shares his passion for making cities more green-friendly, and how places like Japan, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands make nature and interaction among generations part of the fabric of life.

About Jem

Jem holds an MA in Public Policy and an MA in International Development. He develops strategy and policies to support ageing in place and age-friendly social inclusion. A key strength is expertise in the design and execution of cross-country research in complex, dynamic sectors using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Jem developed all content for, and lectured undergraduates on, Disability, Social Inclusion and Universal Design in 2021 at University College Dublin. He presented to leaders of the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group (MUARG), University of Manchester, on ageing in place in Japan and attitudes towards the elderly in Japanese society.

As a business consultant, he redefined strategy for over 200 clients at the highest level including NGOs/not for profits, city authorities, government ministries and leading multinationals. Projects generated regulatory changes, new product/service development and investment including M&A. Projects include ‘green’ public transport; accessible tourism for all; and facilitating governments' support transition from informal to formal trade in developing countries.

Key Takeaways

• Green spaces encourage walking and socialization. Being outside encourages intergenerational interaction and planned and spontaneous interactions.
• In senior living communities green spaces replenish staff as much as residents.
• Trends like children staying home until their 30’s and grandchildren living with grandparentsare driving intergenerational living.
• Learning to play a musical instrument enhances well-being and improves memory—even at a most basic level, like strumming a guitar or playing a few arpeggios on a keyboard.
• Listening to music daily provides protection for your brain. It provides cognitive resilience, improves memory and concentration, and helps alleviate and prevent symptoms relating to dementia and Parkinson's.