Prepare for the range of adaptable living solutions to support health and wellbeing of the aging population.
Interior designers have a special, and crucial role to play in service of the growing population of adults aged 65 and over.
The United States population is aging. Today, there are more than 46 million adults aged 65 and older living in the U.S. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to almost 90 million. This means by 2030, one in five Americans is projected to be 65 and over. With this increase in the aging population, there is a corresponding need for designers to prepare for a range of adaptable living solutions that can support the health and wellbeing of this large cohort.
Interior design professionals have a unique perspective and ability to provide insight into the needs of individuals who want to live autonomously, and they can provide solutions to enhance the health and wellbeing of this population.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITY LIVING
To help interior designers address the challenges facing designers in these communities, the Committee on Adaptive Living created the Principles of Design for Healthy Community Living.
DESIGN FOR AUTONOMY
Create opportunities for residents with a variety of preferences to actively participate in decision making for their daily lives.
ALLEVIATE ISOLATION
Research and sourcing easy-to-use technology to facilitate connections with family, friends, and neighbors. Set up adaptable and safe spaces for communal activities and connections.
PRIORITIZE CONNECTIVITY
Equipping residents with the technology options to connect with each other and their families, in addition to safe accessibility to medical professionals is imperative.
FACILITATE ENGAGEMENT
Planning to arrange convenience and accessibility to residential and community resources affording more engagement with their neighbors.
INTEGRATE WELLNESS
Add access to outdoor spaces and biophilia to connect residents with their surroundings through visual and physical contact with nature.
ELEVATE BUILDING SYSTEMS
Create healthy, safe, and comfortable homes and communal spaces through well-planned internal mechanical and technical systems.
EMPHASIZE ATTAINABILITY
Maximize the impact of design modifications to create attainable, affordable, and adaptable options for residents and staff.
LEAD STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION
Build solutions and create resources with the input and buy-in of residents and staff to create the best user experience.
SENIOR LIVING RESOURCE GUIDE
The ASID Senior Living Resource Guide considers findings from a parallel literature review of journalistic reports and institutional findings emerging through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Th resource guide reflects input from medical doctors, specialists in healthcare, systems engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape design, and communication design.
ASID Senior Living Resource Guide
By the ASID Committee on Adaptive Living
Price: $99
Member Price: Free
Spaces were evaluated in support of reducing the spread of illness, while providing shared space for social connection. This same perspective was applied to the staff areas, where innovative design could be applied to lower the risks associated with their activities. While efficiency and design appeal have been a primary characteristic of these spaces in the past, community needs have shifted, and so must the design. Higher priority needs to be given to flexibility of spaces, and ability to adapt to the current needs of staff and residents.
Commercial senior living is designed for efficiency, but these efficiencies can conflict with healthy living principles. Large gathering spaces can become a vehicle for infection. More time spent indoors carries risks of transmission. Inadequate staff support areas can further exacerbate staff retention and staff shortages. Rigid or nonflexible planning does not support change when problems arise.
Designers should plan strategically. Strive to create spaces that balance infection control and social interaction, while consistently integrating housing and services for greater community engagement. Utilize holistic design principles to support residents’ interest in alternatives and options for living autonomously.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Reducing Stress and Fighting Burnout through Interior Design
Learn how interior design solutions can alleviate job-related stress in healthcare environments, leading to increased mindfulness and productivity.
1 IDCEC CEU | HSW | CC-115864
Resilience Beyond the Headlines: From Isolated Endurance to Iterative Restoration
Design environments that build resilience in individuals through restorative experiences.
1 IDCEC CEU | HSW | CC-115591
Innovate to Communicate the User Experience
Learn innovative strategies to connect with stakeholders in the design process and fully convey the user experience.
1 IDCEC CEU | HSW | CC-114947