Designing to Facilitate Engagement + Connection

Less than 3% of elderly people meet the minimum level of physical activity in their day-to-day interactions.  How do we encourage our elderly population to move more for their physical health, engage more for their mental health, and connect more for their social health?  The way we design interior and exterior spaces has a large impact on these health factors.

The design and senior services communities have an interesting challenge.  Creating spaces that not only provide the support and safety seniors require, but to balance that with spaces that also provide just the right level of challenge to prolong ability and mobility. 

 Walking is the single greatest factor in enhancing engagement and satisfaction in the elderly population.  Creating walkable paths, both inside and outside, is key, with a maximum length of 5-minutes between destinations.  Adding benches, locating public restrooms frequently and conveniently, paying attention to sight lines, providing a variation in lighting experiences, and creating a variety of pleasant scenes or activities along these pathways strikes the right balance to naturally encourage movement. 

Creating smaller-scale spaces that feel more homelike makes transitioning from home to a community an easier one.  One design trend in communities is to create smaller-scale neighborhoods within the larger community.  Studies have found that an average of 6 to 8 apartments per neighborhood is ideal for increasing the sense of connection, belonging and participation.  By creating, or simulating, porches or stoops and creating site lines to outdoor activity, we can also increase their sense of connection to the larger community. 

As Jane Jacobs, an urban planning activist from the 1960’s, said “Life attracts life.”  A more energetic community attracts and creates more vibrant people. 

A variety of materials differentiate apartments, creating interest and a memorable experience along the walking path.

Outdoor spaces that incorporate shade structures and amenities such as fireplaces and ceiling fans attract all ages to gather outside.

Locating seating groups at regular intervals provides a respite for tired walkers making the walking path feel safe and approachable.

Smaller homelike lounges and activity areas create a more welcoming neighborhood feel.