Current Condition of Home Environment and Necessary Home Modifications for Elderly in Community

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the home environment conditions of the elderly living in the community and to confirm the needs of the residential environment. This study was conducted from January 15th to 25th, 2018, in 12 elderly households in Chungcheongnam-do, using a structured questionnaire and a home environment checklist. The elderly did not feel uncomfortable with their current home, but they wanted to modify their home environment to improve their quality of life. Investigation using home environment checklists showed that demands for supportive design were lacking in the overall areas. On the results of this study, it was confirmed that it is essential to reflect the residents’ occupation, physical characteristics, and needs when constructing the home environment for the healthy life of the elderly in the community.

Satisfaction among the Elderly Living in the Ancient Town of Xiangxi

“…With the issue of population aging intensifying, increasing attention has been paid to the living environments of the elderly. Several researchers [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] have focused on elderly care to promote livable and healthy living environments for the aging population. In contrast to younger people, elderly individuals have poor immune function and fewer daily activities as well as declining bodily functions, which make their physical and mental health more vulnerable to threats from the living environment, warranting special focus on their living environment [7], especially in terms of emotional [8,9] and living aspects [10][11][12].…”

“…Several researchers [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] have focused on elderly care to promote livable and healthy living environments for the aging population. In contrast to younger people, elderly individuals have poor immune function and fewer daily activities as well as declining bodily functions, which make their physical and mental health more vulnerable to threats from the living environment, warranting special focus on their living environment [7], especially in terms of emotional [8,9] and living aspects [10][11][12]. Emotional research on the elderly has mainly focused on depression [13,14], loneliness, and related mental health factors [15,16].…”

“…Emotional research on the elderly has mainly focused on depression [13,14], loneliness, and related mental health factors [15,16]. Astrid Kemperman et al (Department of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The cus on their living environment [7], especially in terms of emotional [8,9] and living aspects [10][11][12]. Emotional research on the elderly has mainly focused on depression [13,14], loneliness, and related mental health factors [15,16].…”

“…Kunduraci, Arzu Cilasun (Yildiz Technical University, Architecture) [29] conducted a systematic review to identify lighting design clues for achieving visual comfort conditions. Gu, Won-Hoe et al (Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University) [10] used structured questionnaires and household environment checklists to identify the construction needs of living environments for the elderly. Qandeel, Aqsa, and Welyne Jeffrey Jehom (Department of Anthropology and Sociology, University of Malaya) [30] used semi-structured interviews to analyze the living patterns and environments of mobile elderly people in Malaysia.…”