The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.Ageism in Hollywood is a tale as old as time. Its well-documented that older women have been less represented in mainstream media and female actors over 40 are less likely to get work compared to their male counterparts.The stigma surrounding aging women in entertainment has been so pervasive that many actresses have felt forced to hide the natural realities of aging. Actress Naomi Watts recently revealed, I was told I would never work again if I admitted to being menopausal. Her experience is not uniquemany women in the industry have echoed similar sentiments, facing a shrinking pool of opportunities as they age.This years award show season has shown that the tides are turning. Weve started to see a shift with actresses in Hollywood experiencing success later in life. One of the most discussed films of the past year, The Substance, tackles ageism head-on. And in a historic moment, Demi Moore44 years into her careerwon her first Golden Globe at 62 and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. During the Golden Globes, we saw seven of the Best Actress nominations go to women over the age of 40. These nominations signal a growing recognition that talent doesnt have to have an expiration date.For decades Hollywood has created the perception that women in their 40s and beyond, often when they are perimenopausal or menopausal, are past their primes and reaching the end of their careers. Moore previously shared that she almost quit acting because of ageism and how difficult it can be, particularly for women over 50. However, this cultural shift in Hollywoods acceptance and celebration of aging women could change how this demographic is represented. Now the question is, will we see other industries shift their perceptions of midlife women? Heres why they should.Outdated research has failed menopausal womenBefore looking ahead, we have to understand how we got here. The societal stigma around aging has often overlapped with menopause, and unfortunately, thats led to a negative perception of this transitional period of a womans life.Menopause has been widely understudied. For example, a study in Nature Aging has shown that researchers havent properly considered menopause in 99% of studies of the biology of aging.Furthering the stigma, outdated research has led to a lack of treatment options for women experiencing menopause symptoms. The use of hormone therapy to treat menopause symptoms stopped nearly overnight due to a study showing that hormone therapy increased the risks of cancer. However, recent studies have debunked that theory and shown the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks.The lack of research and controversial history around hormone therapy has hurt menopause care and prevented aging women from getting the adequate support they need. That all is changing.What the entertainment industry can teachCompanies can take a page from Hollywoods playbook by supporting and empowering its female senior talent. Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are some of the most experienced managers, leaders, and mentors in the workplace. As they age, they are also often at the height of their careers. McKinsey and Lean In found that female leaders contribute more to employee engagementincluding creating an inclusive workplace and mentorshipthan their male counterparts, and another McKinsey report found that organizations with gender diversity of executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability compared to those who didnt.Senior female leaders are an essential part of the workforce. Yet according to our 2022 Menopause in the Workplace report, 46% of working women experiencing menopause said their 50s have been the most difficult time in their careers. Our latest data also showed that 50% of Gen X women have experienced ageism at work. Now is a critical time for companies to step up and support.Organizations must invest in meeting the evolving needs of their midlife female workforce. Investing in menopause support for senior women leaderssuch as access to specialized providers, educational resources, and coverage for hormone therapyenables these women to manage their symptoms effectively, remain at peak productivity, and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders.What happens in Hollywood strongly influences culture, including workplaces. On March 2, Moore is up for her first Oscar for her critically acclaimed role. No matter who wins, its a victory for Moore and all aging women at work.Asima Ahmad, MD, MPH, FACOG is cofounder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot Fertility.

From the rising cost of eggs and the staggering cost of housing, the constant chaos from mass government firings to the tariff threats against Canada and Mexico, Americans are struggling to cope with rampant economic uncertainty the best way they can: doom spending.One in 5 Americans say they are buying more than usual, purchasing items excessively or impulsively in response to fears or anxiety about future events, according to a recent report by CreditCards.com. The act of buying things as a way to self-soothe and cope with discomfort can be particularly problematic, especially when youre worried about your personal finances and the economy at large in the first place.The survey, published in February 2025, examines consumer spending habits since President Donald Trump took office and focuses on the role economic factors and uncertainty play.Here are some key findings.Americans are buying more, driven by Trump tariffsPresident Trumps proposed tariffs are weighing heavily on many peoples minds. In fact, more than one in 4, or 29%, of respondents say fear of Trumps tariffs greatly impacts their desire to make additional purchases. Trump has said, starting March 4 (next week!), he will slap a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and may in the future even broaden the scope of goods to include automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductorsall of which means higher prices for American consumers already dealing with cost of living concerns and inflation.Digging a little further, the report shows 19% of respondents say they are buying significantly (5%) or slightly more (14%) items than usual, and of this group, 29% say fear of Trumps tariffs greatly impacts their desire to make additional purchases, while 37% say its having some impact.Another pandemic also prompts spending The report found that 3 in 10 respondents are purchasing items to prepare for another pandemic. Meanwhile, 42% say they are, or will start, stockpiling items, mainly food and toilet paper.Also, since November 2024, 28% of respondents say they have made one large purchase (over $500) and 21% say they soon plan to. The most common of those large purchases were electronics (39%), home appliances (31%), and home improvement materials (25%). People also bought furniture (22%) and cars (17%).Finally, and perhaps the most worrisome finding of the report, is that 34% of respondents say they are likely to worsen or go into credit card debt this year to secure purchases.

Amazon has unveiled Alexa+, an AI-driven evolution of its popular voice assistant. Built on generative AI, this next step refines the way users interact with their devices, making conversations more fluid and smart home integration more seamless. Alexa+ is designed to remember context, anticipate needs, and provide proactive assistance in everyday tasks.Designer: AMAZONWith over 600 million Alexa devices in use, the assistant has become deeply embedded in modern households. But while Amazon positions Alexa+ as a transformative upgrade, its implications for design-focused living remain speculative. The companys emphasis leans more toward usability and personalization rather than aesthetics.A Smarter, More Context-Aware AssistantAmazon describes Alexa+ as moving beyond basic commands into a more intuitive interaction model. Unlike its predecessors, this assistant understands preferences, retains memory of past interactions, and makes proactive suggestions based on usage patterns. Instead of simply turning off lights on request, Alexa+ might suggest dimming them in the evening based on past behavior. The AI is trained to recognize patterns, creating a more fluid and responsive experience.This shift toward context-aware functionality is significant, though it remains to be seen how deeply this personalization will extend beyond routine tasks. While automation can simplify a well-curated home, Amazon does not explicitly frame Alexa+ as a design-centric tool. However, by adapting to user behaviors, Alexa+ has the potential to influence how people interact with their living spaces in subtle ways.Conversations Without Constraints & A More Seamless Smart Home ExperienceRigid voice commands are becoming a thing of the past. Conversations with Alexa+ feel expansive and natural, Amazon states. Unlike previous versions, where phrasing had to be exact, Alexa+ can follow fragmented speech, understand casual language, and pick up on contextual cues. This conversational flexibility makes the assistant more adaptable, removing the need for precise command structures. Users can interact with Alexa+ in a way that feels more like speaking to a person rather than programming a machine.At the same time, Amazons new experts framework allows Alexa+ to coordinate multiple tasks across different smart home devices. The system integrates with thousands of connected products, including lighting, climate control, and automated cleaning devices. Rather than managing individual settings through multiple apps, users can rely on natural voice interactions to control entire environments. Philips Hue lights, for example, can adjust brightness based on mood rather than rigid preset commands. While Amazon highlights interoperability, it stops short of providing a definitive list of supported brands.These two elements togethermore natural conversations and seamless device integrationform the foundation of a more immersive and effortless smart home experience. Though Alexa+ is not marketed as a design tool, its ability to fade into the background while enhancing functionality aligns with minimalist principles, making technology feel more organic within a space.Learning, Adapting, and Proactive Assistance in Daily LifePersonalization is a central focus of Alexa+. The assistant remembers shopping habits, frequently played music, payment preferences, and even shipping addresses. Users can also ask it to recall specific details, tailoring the experience further. Amazon describes this as highly personalized, but the application is largely functional rather than stylistic. The assistant can recall preferred lighting settings or favorite temperature levels, but there is no confirmation that it extends to aesthetic recommendations. Any design-forward applications would depend on how users choose to integrate Alexa+ into their spaces.Beyond personalization, Alexa+ introduces proactive features designed to assist with routine tasks. Alexa+ is proactive when its importantlike suggesting you start your commute early when theres heavy traffic or notifying you when a product on your wishlist is on sale, Amazon explains. However, claims about design-related proactive assistancesuch as plant care reminders or seasonal decor suggestionsdo not appear in official documentation. The proactive features lean more toward practical conveniences rather than home curation.Cross-Device Consistency and Subscription ModelAlexa+ extends beyond the home, maintaining conversational continuity across multiple devices. Users can start a request on an Echo speaker, continue it on a smartphone, and pick up where they left off on a laptop or in the car. This seamless integration ensures that Alexa+ functions consistently regardless of location. Early access is being rolled out to Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 devices first, with their screens complementing the voice-based experience.Amazon positions Alexa+ as a premium offering, priced at $19.99 per month. However, Prime members will receive it for free, significantly increasing its accessibility. The service will begin rolling out in the U.S. in the coming weeks, prioritizing users with select Echo Show devices. While Amazons announcement focuses on Alexa+ as a natural AI evolution, it does not address broader industry competition, such as developments from ChatGPT, Claude, or Googles Gemini.AIs Role in Smart LivingAlexa+ represents a meaningful leap in AI-driven home assistance, offering improved conversational skills, smarter automation, and deeper personalization. While its impact on usability is clear, its role in design-forward living is less defined.The assistants greatest strength is its ability to integrate seamlessly into daily life, but whether it actively enhances aesthetics or remains purely functional depends on how users adopt it. With generative AI shaping the next era of smart home interactions, Alexa+ refines the experiencewhether or not it transforms it.The post Beyond Voice: Will Alexa+ Shape Your Homes Designor Just Your Routine? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Shelter 45, crafted by Gonzalo Rufin Arquitectos and Felipe Toro, is nestled in the scenic locale of Matanzas, Chile. This region is renowned for its robust winds and is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy windsurfing and kitesurfing. Positioned three hours away from Santiago, the newly finished cabin is strategically placed on a mountainous site, enveloped by lush forests and deep ravines.Designed to harmonize with its surroundings, the structure ingeniously merges vertical and horizontal components, fitting seamlessly onto the sites solitary flat area. Its wooden construction fosters a harmonious interaction with the surrounding wooded environment, ensuring the cabin complements the natural landscape.Designer: Gonzalo Rufin Arquitectos and Felipe ToroThe design showcases a repetitive, modular system that contributes to the buildings efficient and visually appealing architecture. This assembly results in a three-story structure, which spans across nine segments in width, effectively utilizing the space to achieve a total of eighty square meters, combining both interior and exterior areas. The construction employs a sturdy framework composed of wood and steel ties, which adds structural integrity, and also allows the building to capitalize on the limited site by expanding vertically.The layout is thoughtfully arranged to maximize function and aesthetics. On the ground floor, youll find an open-plan design that features essential areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. This level also connects to inviting terrace spaces, creating an effortless flow between indoor and outdoor environments. The upper levels accommodate a master bedroom and a compact loft area which provides comfortable space for guests. This strategic segregation of public and private areas ensures the optimal use of space within the structure, making it both functional and cozy.The house is equipped with meticulously crafted facades, which achieve a harmonious blend of transparency and protection. The design of these facades is a testament to thoughtful architectural planning, ensuring that the structure adapts seamlessly to its environment. The side facades are left open, offering residents uninterrupted horizontal views of the surrounding landscape, which enhances the connection to the natural setting and allows ample natural light to flood the interior spaces.The northern facade incorporates a sophisticated system of timber blinds that are strategically positioned over the terraces. These blinds serve a dual purpose they act as a shield against excessive sunlight and rain, protecting the interior from the elements and maintaining a comfortable climate within the home. This innovative feature is beneficial in the regions dynamic climate, where weather conditions can be unpredictable. The integration of timber elements provides functional shading, while also adding a natural aesthetic that complements the overall architectural theme.The post This Wedge-Shaped House Utilizes Limited Space To Create A Cozy And Functional Residence first appeared on Yanko Design.

This week on Uncanny Valley, our hosts talk about three big stories from February.

Budget Windows laptops still suck. Frameworks upcoming repairable and upgradeable machine could change the game.

France is probably going to issue an antitrust fine against Apple in March, as the country's consumer watchdog gears up to rule on whether Apple abused its position over App Tracking Transparency.An example of an App Tracking Transparency promptIn July 2023, the French Competition Authority, the Authorite de la Concurrence, said it would open an antitrust investigation into Apple and App Tracking Transparency. Over a year and a half later, the regulator may be concluding its probe.Two people with knowledge of the regulator's plans told Reuters on Thursday that a ruling will be arriving in March. "The decision is expected in the spring," the regulator confirmed, but declined to comment further. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Seven Apple Watch buyers are suing Apple over how it allegedly made false and misleading claims that certain models are carbon neutral.Apple Watch Series 9 was the first model to be described as carbon neutralApple first made a claim about carbon neutrality with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 9 in 2023, and immediately faced criticism. First a Chinese environment research organization called it "climate-washing," and then European consumer groups agreed.Now according to Reuters, a case has been filed by seven users of the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. They claim they would not have bought the watches, or would have paid less, if they had not been misled. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Donald Shoup, the legendary urban planner known for his "radical rethinking of parking policy," has died at the age of 86. The longtime UCLA professor and author of 2005s The High Cost of Free Parking gained notoriety while advancing the field of study immeasurably during a 41-year tenure at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. The New York Times labeled him as "an intellectual hero to urbanists."His passing was likewise repsonded to by many in the planning community online as the loss of an icon and affable colleague. Shoup won the Associated Collegiate Schools of Planning's Distinguished Educator Award in 2017 after retiring from teaching in 2015.Via LinkedIn, Sarah Bronin said simply, "Weve lost a hero."

A special large-scale sculptural commission of Frank Gehry by Silverstein Properties (the property manager of 3 World Trade Center) is now up in Lower Manhattan. Located in the buildings lobby, Gehrys 2024 piece Untitled (Fish on Fire, Greenwich Street) is a 20-by-7 foot installation that was born from a yearlong collaboration between Silverstein, Gehry, and the Gagosian Gallery.Photo Credit: Spencer LaskyThe project is said to be the "culmination" of his decades-long exploration of the piscine-inspired form and is illuminated in a warm russet hue from the inside in so as to highlight the space as a "dynamic" triple-heighted environment.Photo Credit: Spencer LaskyPhoto Credit: Spencer LaskyThe rotating sculpture weighs approximately 400 lbs., made from about 660 square feet of copper. Its billed to be the architects largest-ever wire-suspended sculptures and adds to a rich history of artistic commissions dating to the late '80s that has seen the likes of Al Held,James Rosenq...