FRM 11-5

05/2004

 

Abstract

The Older Population:  Designing Environments to Prolong Independent Living

 

 

Prepared by:   Chia-Ling Khoo                                               Theodore Drab, ASID, IIDA, IDEC

                        Graduate Student                                             Associate Professor

                        Design, Housing and Merchandising                Design, Housing and Merchandising

                        Oklahoma State University                               Oklahoma State University

                        cl.khoo@okstate.edu                                        drab@okstate.edu

 

                        Huantian Cao, PhD.                                         Esther Winterfeldt, PhD.

                        Associate Professor                                          Gerontology Institute

                        Design, Housing and Merchandising                Oklahoma State University

                        Oklahoma State University                              

                        huantian.cao@okstate.edu                               

 

Implications for cooperative extension.  Information provided will be useful in maintaining an independent living for the older population through the design of the living environment.  The article reports on an actual home modification using current techniques to make a home more accessible to the elderly.

 

Overview

In 2003, there were an estimated 36 million people age 65 or older in the United States, nearly 12% of the total population1.  That number will soon rapidly grow as in 2011, those born in the United States between 1946 and 1964 (also known as Òbaby boomersÓ) will begin to turn 65.  It is projected that by 2050 the population of those 65 or older will grow to more than 20% of the United States population or 87 million people.

 

This growing segment of the population is now putting their needs and demands on the housing market.  Studies have shown that the older population prefers to delay the need for institution living if given the choice to live in the comfort and privacy of oneÕs home2 and to avoid the higher cost of the assisted living facility or nursing care environment.  A recent survey of 1,146 Oklahoma AARP members showed that 94% say that it is important to have long-term care services that would enable themselves or their family members to stay at home as long as possible3.  The same survey showed that two in three members are worried about being able to afford long-term care services for themselves or their family members.

 

Objectives

The physical environment can be designed or modified to accommodate the changes faced by the older population (Hartford Insurance Group, 1990).  The objectives of this research project are to identify the needs of the older population that can be met by the design of the living environment, and to meet these needs through a home design that will prolong independent living.

 

Experimental Focus

This research project is focused on an actual couple who are in their 70Õs.  The proposed design of the living environment will be addressing the needs of this couple and by extension, the research will be valuable to the older population who choose to live independently for as long as they can.

 

Results

Through research, studies have identified the designed environment issues faced by the older population and the proposed solutions will be addressing the:

¤ Safety issues due to physical changes

 - Accessible design features focused on the two most hazardous areas in the house; bathroom and kitchen4.

The Older Population:  Designing Environments to Prolong Independent Living (continued)

 

Software: Microsoft Office
 
 



¤ Maintenance issues due to health reason and physical changes

- Material selections that are easy to clean, hygienic, and have low volatile organic compounds (VOC), especially carpets5, paints, and fabrics (upholstery seats). 

 

¤ Affordability issues due to fixed income 

- Minimum square-footage and energy-efficient design by examining the solar/thermal planning6, natural daylight, and natural ventilation to minimize the utility bills.

 

 




The Older Population:  Designing Environments to Prolong Independent Living (continued)

 

 

Solar/Thermal Planning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solar/thermal planning is a concept that minimizes the exposed surface of a space through the arrangement of the floor plan that is in harmony with our circadian rhythm6.  The location of a space will affect the natural warm/cool cycle in the resident.  The suggested areas in a space may vary from one individual to another depending on the location of the activity and the time of the day where the activity occurs.

 

Conclusion

As the older population continues to grow at a rapid rate in the United States, the demand for housing this population requires immediate attention.  The aging process adds significant limitations in the performance of the activities of daily living, the maintenance of the living environment, and the financial capability to keep a home.  Specific design modifications to the living environment need to be made in addressing these issues in order for this population to prolong their independence.

 

1 Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics Report, 2004.

2 Lawton, M., (1990), Residential Environment and Self-Directedness among Older People, The American Psychologist, 45(5), p638-640.

3 Oklahoma Long-term Care: A Survey of AARP Members, January 2005.

4 Peterson, M., Universal Kitchen and Bathroom Planning: Design that adapts to People, 1998. 

5 Tremblay, K., Peng, L., Kreul-Froseth; S., and Dunbar, B., (1999), Perceived Effects of Carpet on Indoor Air Quality, Housing and Society, 26(1-3), p 16-25.

6 Lechner, N., Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Design Methods for Architects, 2000.