Liu designs for intergenerational access and connection

Zeyu Liu’s research explores how older adults experience intergenerational programs and what makes those programs effective.
He presented a poster at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, where he received the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Boaz Kahana Student Poster Award.

Q. Tell us about your research. Why is it important?

A. I recently published a paper in Gerontology & Geriatrics Education titled “Connecting generations: An integrative review of intergenerational technology programs and older adults’ technology use,” with Rana Sagha Zadeh, associate professor in the Department of Human Centered Design.

Older adults value interactions with young people that feel reciprocal and purposeful, in emotionally safe spaces where they can contribute, learn and feel genuinely respected. They also identified barriers such as unclear expectations, logistical challenges and moments when younger participants were not engaged.

This work challenges the assumption that simply placing generations together is enough. It highlights the need to design programs around older adults’ interests, emotional needs and motivations.

Q. What inspired you to further your education?

A. My background spans both engineering and interior design, giving me a strong foundation for understanding how systems, objects and environments shape people’s experiences. Over time, I realized I didn’t want to limit myself to designing physical spaces alone. I wanted to understand the human, behavioral and societal systems behind them, especially as they relate to aging.

My master’s program in Human Environment Relations allowed me to integrate design, qualitative research, health systems and aging. I’m building a path as a designer–researcher focused on applied, translational work, turning evidence into real-world programs, technologies and care models that genuinely support older adults.

Q. How did you get involved in this research area?

A. My work with older adults and technology grew out of a broader interest in how design and systems can support people during vulnerable moments in life. When I began collaborating on aging-related projects at Cornell, I quickly saw how deeply technology affects older adults’ sense of independence and confidence.

When technology is thoughtfully designed and introduced with support, older adults feel more capable, informed and connected. When it is not, the experience can amplify frustration, create barriers or make people feel excluded.

I became passionate about ensuring that technology enhances older adults’ lives rather than creating new gaps.

Q. What’s next?

A: I’m continuing to build my career in the health and aging space, working on projects that integrate research, design and technology to address real-world challenges. I am grateful to be part of a community that values aging research, and I hope to continue contributing both academically and through practical, impactful work in healthcare and technology.