Housing for the Elderly: Examples of Independent and Community Living

Written by Clara Ott
Published on June 15, 2020

Architecture is constantly changing and adapting to new needs, which are linked to social, economic, technological, political, and demographic changes. In this sense, the aging population is one of the most outstanding changes of the 21st century: The increase in life expectancy and the decrease in fertility rates mean that the older population is increasingly numerous. How can architecture help to provide a better quality of life, promote the autonomy, dignity, and well-being of the elderly?

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This trend has led to thinking and redesigning many aspects of medical care, hospital design, and accessible cities. However, studies focused on the psychological well-being of the elderly population who live independently, show the negative effects of loneliness, social isolation, and difficulties in terms of self-care needs.

Architects can play an important role in addressing the source of this loneliness and dramatically help increase the quality of life for a part of the population that is often isolated. Living in retirement communities provides an opportunity for engagement and interaction as a way to start to get rid of this stigma and allow residents to retain their independence. The following examples illustrate how, through good design, it is possible to establish a community framework of mutual support.