Barbara Beskind is living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. At 89, she began her career as an inventor and designer—decades after she had first aspired to be one. Her journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and creativity. Now in her late 90s, Beskind is an inspiration to many, especially those who believe age is a limitation. Her story not only highlights her contributions to innovation but also serves as a reminder that life’s most rewarding endeavors can come later in life.
Early Life and Dream of Invention
Barbara Beskind was born in 1924, during a time when women were often discouraged from pursuing careers in science and engineering. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming an inventor, often making her own toys from scraps. However, in the 1940s, Beskind was told that industrial design schools did not accept women. Undeterred by this setback, she turned to occupational therapy—a field in which she could still create solutions for others, though not exactly in the way she initially envisioned.
For most of her career, Beskind worked as an occupational therapist for the U.S. Army, where she developed therapeutic programs to help veterans recover from injury and trauma. Her experiences in this field would later fuel her passion for inventing devices that improve the quality of life for aging populations.
A New Chapter: Becoming an Inventor at 89
After retiring from occupational therapy, Beskind’s dream of becoming an inventor lingered in her heart. But it wasn’t until her 80s that she saw a unique opportunity to make that dream a reality. One evening, while watching 60 Minutes, she saw an interview with David Kelley, founder of the global design firm IDEO. The firm was known for creating cutting-edge products and solutions through human-centered design. Inspired by what she saw, Beskind wrote a letter to Kelley, explaining her background and passion for design, particularly for aging populations.
To her surprise, IDEO responded enthusiastically. In 2013, at the age of 89, Barbara Beskind joined IDEO as a designer. Her life experience, both personally and professionally, gave her invaluable insights into the challenges faced by older adults—a demographic often overlooked in tech and product design.
Beskind’s Inventions and Contributions
Barbara Beskind quickly became a valuable member of IDEO’s team, offering her unique perspective on aging and the needs of seniors. Her contributions focused on creating products that addressed mobility, accessibility, and independence for older adults. Here are a few of her notable inventions and designs:
1. Walking Cane with Stability Features
One of Beskind’s most practical inventions was a walking cane designed with added stability. Drawing from her own experiences with macular degeneration, she created a cane that offered better balance for seniors with visual impairments. The cane had a special base with small, angled wheels that provided greater stability and ease of use on various terrains. It’s designed to prevent falls, one of the leading causes of injury among older adults.
2. Wearable Airbags for Fall Prevention
Beskind also conceptualized a wearable airbag system aimed at reducing injury from falls, a serious concern for seniors. The idea was to design a system that could detect when a fall was imminent and deploy airbags around the hips and back to cushion the impact. This device could significantly reduce the risk of fractures, which are common among seniors after a fall, and provide peace of mind for both users and their families.
3. Glasses for Those with Low Vision
Living with macular degeneration herself, Beskind knew firsthand the struggles of living with low vision. She set out to create special glasses that could help people with visual impairments better navigate their environment. The glasses were designed to enhance depth perception, reducing the likelihood of falls and collisions. This concept showed her dedication to solving real-world problems that affect older adults on a daily basis.
4. Adaptations for Wheelchairs
Beskind also contributed ideas for wheelchair design that focused on comfort and ease of use. She suggested features like adjustable seats to alleviate pressure points and better armrests that could be used for transfers. These adjustments, though small, could have a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of wheelchair users.
A Champion for Aging Populations
Barbara Beskind’s contributions go beyond her inventions. She has become a vocal advocate for designing products that meet the needs of the elderly, a demographic she feels has long been ignored by product developers. Through her work at IDEO, she has raised awareness about the importance of human-centered design, particularly for older adults who want to maintain their independence.
She often speaks about the importance of empathy in design—understanding the physical and emotional challenges that seniors face. For Beskind, this isn’t just about inventing gadgets, but about creating products that genuinely improve the quality of life for people in their later years. Her work reminds us that innovation should be inclusive of all ages and stages of life.
Life Lessons from Barbara Beskind
Barbara Beskind’s story is more than just one of late-life success—it’s a powerful lesson in perseverance, adaptability, and the value of experience. Here are a few key takeaways from her journey:
1. It’s Never Too Late
Beskind’s dream of becoming an inventor took nearly 80 years to realize, but she never gave up. Her story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Whether you’re in your 20s or 90s, dreams can be achieved if you’re willing to take that leap.
2. Age is an Asset
In a world that often values youth over experience, Beskind proves that age can be an asset. Her life experiences, particularly her own aging and health challenges, gave her the insight needed to create meaningful solutions for seniors. She demonstrates that older adults have unique perspectives that are invaluable in many fields.
3. Empathy in Innovation
Beskind’s work at IDEO exemplifies the importance of designing with empathy. Whether it’s a walking cane or a pair of glasses, her inventions are rooted in understanding the needs of the people who will use them. Her human-centered approach to design is a powerful example of how empathy can drive innovation.
Conclusion
Barbara Beskind’s journey from occupational therapist to inventor and designer is a remarkable story of perseverance, creativity, and reinvention. She has shattered the stereotype that aging means slowing down or giving up on dreams. Instead, Beskind has used her later years to create products that address real-world problems faced by older adults, showing that it’s never too late to make a meaningful impact.
Her legacy is one of hope and inspiration, not just for older adults but for anyone who believes in the power of pursuing dreams, regardless of age. Barbara Beskind has proven that innovation and passion can thrive at any stage of life—and the world is better for it.
