Life expectancy has steadily increased for over two centuries, driven by advancements in technology and medical science, while birth rates have consistently declined. The confluence of these trends has resulted in a progressively aging population, associated with a heightened susceptibility to chronic health conditions, increased vulnerability to injuries, and diminished cognitive and perceptual function. This underscores the necessity for meticulously crafted home environments, distinct from conventional residential settings, currently inhabited by older adults.
Significant advancements in telehealthcare, coupled with innovative wearable technologies facilitating continuous monitoring and supervision of patient status and safety, indicate that the growing demand for long-term in-home healthcare can be addressed through considerate housing design. This chapter, employing an evidence-based approach, delves into various design considerations aimed at fostering home environments conducive to the long-term care needs of older adults. To realize these objectives, fundamental transformations in housing policy, housing markets, and design education are imperative.
Read the full article at: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119857198.ch20