Principles for Designing Age-Friendly Environments to Enhance Social Sustainability and Prevent Alzheimer’s Among the Elderly

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pars University of Art and Architecture, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Interior Architecture, Pars University of Architecture and Art, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In societies worldwide, the elderly are esteemed cultural assets, shaping their lives profoundly. Understanding their psychology and social dynamics becomes crucial with age, necessitating effective support systems. Urban areas must adapt to the demographic shift towards an aging population by providing welfare services, fostering engagement and social responsibility, and enhancing life satisfaction. Urban parks serve as vital spaces for seniors, greatly influencing their well-being. This research investigates the physical and mental conditions of the elderly, focusing on Alzheimer's prevention and social sustainability through appropriate environmental design. Integrating design elements fosters greater engagement among the elderly, which is pivotal for promoting the well-being and social sustainability of aging communities.
This study investigates the physical and mental conditions of the elderly, focusing on Alzheimer's prevention and social sustainability through tailored environmental design. Integrating design elements encourages greater participation among the elderly and promotes the well-being and social sustainability of aging communities. Employing a descriptive case study approach, a virtual questionnaire was distributed among individuals aged 40 to 75. Four proposed designs were prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Analysis of 60 completed questionnaires revealed a significant correlation between intergenerational interaction and joint activities, particularly in childcare or joint activity with young people.

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Main Subjects

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Journal of Design Thinking
Volume 4, Issue 1
June 2023
Pages 105-116

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