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Perspectives on “Novel” Techniques for Designing Age-Friendly Homes and Neighborhoods with Older Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine Brookfield

    (Environment and Geography Department, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK)

  • Iain Scott

    (Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh EH1 1JZ, UK)

  • Anthea Tinker

    (Institute of Gerontology, Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2B 4BG, UK)

  • Catharine Ward Thompson

    (OPENspace Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH1 1JZ, UK)

Abstract

Worldwide, growth in the older population creates a pressing need to develop supportive environments that enhance quality of life as people age. Too often, built environments present barriers and challenges to older adults that compromise independent living and adversely affect health and life outcomes. Designing homes, buildings, and neighborhoods with older adults, through exercises in participatory or co-design, could help ensure that environments are better able to facilitate healthy aging. However, while it is potentially advantageous to involve this age group in environmental design decisions, doing so can be difficult. Analysis of and guidance on effective ways to involve older adults in these activities could make the challenge easier. With this aim in mind, this article provides critical perspectives on eight “less traditional” engagement techniques—walking interviews, photovoice, photo-elicitation, Talking Mats ® , participatory mapping, drawing, model-making, and the “Design Fair”. Insights into the strengths and limitations of these techniques, gained from observation of their use in participatory design activities, as well as feedback collected from older co-design participants, are presented. The article concludes by offering a number of practical recommendations for those interested in designing age-friendly homes and neighborhoods with older people.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine Brookfield & Iain Scott & Anthea Tinker & Catharine Ward Thompson, 2020. "Perspectives on “Novel” Techniques for Designing Age-Friendly Homes and Neighborhoods with Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1800-:d:330746
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fang, Mei Lan & Woolrych, Ryan & Sixsmith, Judith & Canham, Sarah & Battersby, Lupin & Sixsmith, Andrew, 2016. "Place-making with older persons: Establishing sense-of-place through participatory community mapping workshops," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 168(C), pages 223-229.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chunmei Zhang & Jun Yang, 2023. "Evaluation of the Quality of the Age-Friendly Environment in Liaoning Province," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Yannick van Hierden & Timo Dietrich & Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, 2021. "Designing an eHealth Well-Being Program: A Participatory Design Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-16, July.

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