Design Development and Housing for the Elderly
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1992
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Abstract
Despite a recent trend towards the development of a wider range of viable housing options for the elderly, a severe shortage of appropriate housing for that segment of the population still exists (Moore, et. al., 1985). Although the number of older persons living alone in the United States has increased by sixty eight percent between 1970 and 1986, this growth rate exceeds the rate of growth of the older population in general by fully one and one-half times (AARP, 1986). While existing housing stock intended specifically for elderly residents tends to be prominent and recognizable, it actually serves relatively few elderly people, since the vast majority of elderly people still live in their own homes (Kindig, 1990).
Despite its visibility, government subsidized housing plays a relatively minor role in the overall housing picture for older people. While approximately forty percent of the residents living in public housing projects and other federally subsidized housing are elderly, only three to five percent of the total number of elderly people in the United States live in those projects (Turner, 1986). Although government support in the area will undoubtedly increase, there is a need to look beyond government support towards a wider range of housing options.
A frequently cited statistic by gerontologists is that only five percent of the population over sixty five years of age live in nursing homes. However, it is seldom noted that this percentage increases dramatically with age, from only one percent for people in the sixty five to seventy four age group, to an alarming twenty two percent for persons in the eighty five plus age group (AARP, 1986). The current demographic shift points towards a dramatic increase in the number of people over eighty five years of age. This trend has enormous implications with regards to housing for the next three to five decades. Thus, it behooves all of us to promote a variety of viable housing options, as alternatives to traditional nursing care environments.
The information presented in this chapter is primarily intended to aid those involved in making planning and design decisions with regards to both age specific and age integrated housing environments. The chapter is divided into two parts. Part One is a description of the design process, and how it works. Design research, programming, and post occupancy evaluation are discussed as they relate to the design of housing environments for the elderly. The aim is to make the process more explicit for both professionals and non-professionals involved in the planning and design of various types of housing environments, and to encourage greater participation of the non-designer in the design process. Part Two is a discussion of issues which are fundamental considerations to successful programming and design of housing for the elderly and includes design implications for each of the issues discussed. The intent is to provide a basis for informed and sensitive decision making which will lead to a wide array of stimulating and enriching housing environments which are non-institutional in character.
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This Unpublished book chapter is cited as Osterberg, A.E., Design Development and Housing for the Elderly. 1992;1-21. Posted with permission. copyrighted Arvid E Osterberg