Housing for the aging population
Author
Demirkan, H.
Date
2007-04Source Title
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
Print ISSN
1813-7253
Publisher
Springer
Volume
4
Issue
1
Pages
33 - 38
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
146
views
views
79
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downloads
Abstract
Based on the concept of 'aging in place,' design of houses in the past years are explored. Design features in the built environment become barriers for aging people with functional limitations. Initially, houses were designed according to the required needs of the user with the physical limitations. Later, adaptable house design was introduced that allows the house to meet the specific needs of the user, while maintaining the appearance of the house until more obvious accessibility features are needed. Today, 'design for all' is recognised as a tool for ensuring physical accessibility for aging people. The holistic perspective embedded in the universal design theory should be systematically and consistently developed during the design process. © European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity (EGREPA) 2007.