Presentation
Supporting Ageing-in-Place in Informal Housing: A Study of Human–Environment Fit among Older Adults
SessionThursday Poster Session
DescriptionAging-in-place refers to the ability of older persons to live safely and independently in their homes and communities as they age physically and cognitively. Research on ageing-friendly environments has generally been confined to official housing with limited attention to informal settlements where physical constraints, incremental development and limited accessibility are typical. Environmental design may impact on their regular activities in India where many older individuals live in such informal housing conditions.
This pilot study aims to evaluate the role of informal housing units in helping or hindering aging-in-place for persons aged 60 years and above in Uttarakhand, India. The research included ethnographic methods, including observations of the surroundings, documenting of floor plans, and semi-structured interviews, and investigated five informal dwellings inhabited by older persons. Key activity areas, such as bedspaces, staircases, bathrooms and bathing areas, were examined in terms of mobility, safety and acts of daily living.
First results indicate that older people commonly rely on low-cost and frugal environmental modifications to compensate for age-related constraints. The study shows the importance of low-cost and context-sensitive ergonomic modifications and contributes to the issue of ageing-friendly house design in informal residential situations.
This pilot study aims to evaluate the role of informal housing units in helping or hindering aging-in-place for persons aged 60 years and above in Uttarakhand, India. The research included ethnographic methods, including observations of the surroundings, documenting of floor plans, and semi-structured interviews, and investigated five informal dwellings inhabited by older persons. Key activity areas, such as bedspaces, staircases, bathrooms and bathing areas, were examined in terms of mobility, safety and acts of daily living.
First results indicate that older people commonly rely on low-cost and frugal environmental modifications to compensate for age-related constraints. The study shows the importance of low-cost and context-sensitive ergonomic modifications and contributes to the issue of ageing-friendly house design in informal residential situations.
Event Type
Poster
TimeThursday, October 22nd5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Location
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