Age, Place, and Health: Exploring the Impact of Environmental and Technological Innovations on Enhancing Quality of Life in Older Adults
Creators: name: Erfani, Kimia
Publisher: name: My University
Year: 2023
Subjects: subject: Aging in place
subject: Social connectedness
subject: Housing policies and residential architecture
subject: Social information and communication technologies (social ICTs)
subject: Battling loneliness and social isolation
subject: Architecture
subject: FOS: Civil engineering
subject: Public Health
subject: Arts
subject: Social Sciences

description: ‘Aging-in-place’ as a globally embraced health policy has prompted numerous environmental and technological innovations to improve the well-being of older adults. While these innovations enable seniors to stay in their homes longer, they often overlook the rising social isolation and loneliness that can diminish their quality of life (QoL). My research focuses on exploring how older adults engage with these spatial and technical innovations, and especially their potential to enhance social connections. I investigate seniors’ interactions with social information and communication technologies (Social ICTs) and the physical aspects of their homes that promote social engagement. My overarching explorative research question is: to what extent does access to Social ICTs and residential spatial features of older adults’ homes impact their experience of social connectedness? And more specifically, what is the role of the residential built environment-- including and access to Social ICTs-- in preventing or encouraging social connectedness for older adults in their homes? I employ a mixed-methods research design utilizing two phases: correlational research design that incorporates a survey questionnaire as the initial tactic for data collection, followed by a second phase of qualitative research design that utilizes in-depth interviews. This research informs built environment designers about the importance of prioritizing social connectivity for older adults’ enhanced QoL and wellbeing. I will outline design and housing policy strategies that can protect the health and wellbeing of older adults against the detrimental consequences of social isolation, including strategies such as: 1) Inclusive and accessible design of the built environment is critical for older adults’ social health. Although attention to inclusivity and accessibility has been repeatedly advocated in the architecture and design literature, only 3.5% of the US housing stock is designed with accessibility in mind (Gonyea, 2021). Home designs that facilitated safe social interaction and contributed to older adults’ well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic included features such as: access to a backyard (or a form of communal green space in the community), enough spaces to physically distance, and visual access to outdoors through a window. 2) Utilizing Social ICTs for ‘experiential sharing’ was highlighted throughout this research, underscoring the importance of designing at the intersection of physical space and digital interface. To create an interactive and co-creative experience (e.g., transferring culinary knowledge and participation in virtual communal events) while engaging Social ICTs, the supportive role of spatial features, such as adequate lighting, are essential. 3) The results of this research indicate the multiple benefits of access to Social ICTs for older adults as a resource for battling isolation and loneliness. Housing policies, especially those outlined by HUD, are critical tools in providing access to digital infrastructure for the older adults. The FY 2022 NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) Toolkit by HUD’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program emphasizes the importance of constructing supportive housing that promotes wellness, aging in place, and social health for low-income older adults, However, the toolkit’s ‘Physical Design’ section lacks a prioritization of technology for social well-being, with internet access listed merely as an optional feature. alongside other amenities. In contrast, this research recommends prioritizing internet infrastructure, along with Social ICT devices, supportive spaces, as well as training and educational infrastructure in the toolkit as elements of broader housing and health policies.