How The Built Environment Can Impact Resident Wellness in Senior Living Communities

The Impact of Design on Resident Engagement

Research consistently illustrates the relationship between building design and the level of physical and social participation of older adults in activities such as exercising. Well-designed spaces can encourage physical activity and foster interaction among residents to ultimately increase quality of life overall. In a research paper entitled Promising Aging in Community Models in the U.S, authors Su-I Hou and Xian Cao define the ideal environment: “A supportive environment for aging in the community can be any natural or intentionally designed community that supports older adults’ various health and social needs, including access to health services, meal services, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.

The environment should incorporate aging and universal design with barrier-free physical features such as handlebars in bathrooms and wheelchair ramps (Park et al., 2017). The services or activities should be available at an easily accessible distance or accessible via public transportation (Geboy et al., 2012; Lavery, 2015). Last but not least, affordable housing options for older adults with different needs should be available.” According to the authors, the concept of aging in community (AIC) emphasizes the significance of creating environments which cultivate such supportive environments to “intentionally encourage older adults to form mutually supportive relationships that promote quality of life and a sense of community”. In other words, AIC models aim to ensure older adults remain independent while being engaged within their local communities. A 2010 study found that those in naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC) were less likely to need nursing home care compared to the national average.

A significant characteristic of this model is that the older adults remain key decision-makers in the community, helping to steer its overall management. While this is not a typical aspect of the traditional senior living community model, it is worthwhile to consider that involving your residents’ in decision-making might enhance their health and well-being through creating a sense of purpose and an avenue through which to direct their energy. It may also ensure your community design and service offerings are more properly suitable to your residents given that residents themselves may have been instrumental in choosing them.

This highlights the importance of person-environment fit – that is to say ensuring environments meet resident needs regardless of any personal limitations. Researchers conducting an analysis on community models for older adults in the US have revealed three main themes related to optimizing the built environment to encourage better engagement: connection, access and security. By designing spaces which promote these three main elements, senior living communities can significantly enhance residents’ health, well-being and longevity.