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Space Personalization as a Catalyst for Sustainable Aging in Place: Enhancing Elderly Autonomy Through Culturally Adaptive Housing in Jordan

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  • Majd Al-Homoud

    (Architecture Department, College of Architecture and Design, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia
    Department of Architecture, School of Architecture and Built Environment, German Jordan University, Amman 11180, Jordan)

Abstract

In Jordan, where aging at home reflects Islamic cultural values, elderly populations face housing environments that fail to meet their needs, challenging sustainable aging-in-place objectives. This study explores how space personalization enhances autonomy and control among Jordan’s elderly using a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and interviews across multiple governorates. Findings reveal that space personalization strengthens elders’ sense of control over daily activities and household decisions, with private room allocation emerging as particularly significant. While conflicts between generations present barriers to control, cherished objects, such as heirlooms and religious artifacts, play a vital role in maintaining emotional connections and territorial identity. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive housing modifications that respect cultural traditions while addressing practical needs, recommending community-based care programs and intergenerational dialogue initiatives. These insights contribute to sustainable urban development strategies that support dignified aging while preserving socio-cultural heritage, offering lessons for similar communities facing rapid demographic transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Majd Al-Homoud, 2025. "Space Personalization as a Catalyst for Sustainable Aging in Place: Enhancing Elderly Autonomy Through Culturally Adaptive Housing in Jordan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-35, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4693-:d:1659890
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yuntao Lian & Jiafeng Xie, 2024. "The Evolution of Digital Cultural Heritage Research: Identifying Key Trends, Hotspots, and Challenges through Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-39, August.
    2. David J. Ekerdt & Julie F. Sergeant & Molly Dingel & Mary Elizabeth Bowen, 2004. "Household Disbandment in Later Life," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 59(5), pages 265-273.
    3. Majd Al-Homoud, 2024. "Enhancing Supportive and Adaptive Environments for Aging Populations in Jordan: Examining Location Dynamics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-26, December.
    4. Phillippa Carnemolla & Catherine Bridge, 2019. "Housing Design and Community Care: How Home Modifications Reduce Care Needs of Older People and People with Disability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-12, June.
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