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Innovative concepts of age-friendly residential architectureas a support for ageing in place and in community-from Western models of best practices to solutions for the Romanian space

Author

Listed:
  • Mihaela ZAMFIR

    (Faculty of Architecture, IMUAU-Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Ileana CIOBANU

    (Scientific Researcher III, PhD Biol., Department of Neuro-Rehabilitation, Elias University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Andreea Georgiana MARIN

    (PhD Psych., Speech Therapist, Department of Neuro-Rehabilitation, Elias University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Mihai-Viorel ZAMFIR

    (Assist. Prof. PhD, MD, Physiology Division, Faculty of Medicine, CDUMP Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

Objectives: The accentuated trend of population ageing requires a strategic position in terms of diversification of housing and lifestyle options after the age of 65, to support the quality of life and well-being. The paper investigates representative contemporary models of housing developed in the Western space for seniors, which are based on two important concepts, ageing in place and ageing in community and the presentation of some applications in the Romanian space, developed in student projects in the V-VI years of study, coordinated in IMUAU. Prior work: The essential changes in the current preferences of adults who are approaching older age, in terms of residence, are charted: comfort, accessibility and safety (in anticipation of the possible reduction of mobility and the emergence of health problems), downsize of home space, shared facilities for housing and closer social contacts in the neighborhood. The work is based on previous research of the authors in the field of elderly-friendly architecture, with an interdisciplinary architecture-medicine-psychology spectrum, carried out in the last 14 years. Approach: The paper is narrative review, with an interdisciplinary character. Case studies are used: Western best practice models and student projects coordinated in IMUAU. Results: Depending on the level of independence of the users, two categories of residential architecture for seniors have been identified. The options for elderly people who only need low level of care: 1. Accessory dwelling units; 2. Age-restricted communities; 3. Senior apartments; 4. Co-housing; 5. House sharing. The options for the elderly with higher care needs are: 6. Village model; 7. Continuing Care Retirement Communities; 8. Assisted Living Facilities; 9. Group homes; 10. Memory care units; 11. Nursing-homes. The student projects developed in IMUAU addressed real situations from the Romanian space. A number of design trends were identified such as a focus on air quality, biophilic design, pet-friendly homes, access to cultural amenities and preserving community connections. Implications: Residential architecture that includes specific features for older people supports healthy and independent ageing, facilitating the development of sustainable, intergenerational communities. New age-friendly neighborhoods tend to offer varied active living options. Architecture contributes to the development of inclusive environments that combat age segregation and stigma. It is necessary for Romania to align to Western trends and include in new residential developments the perspective 344 Resilient Communities Empowered by Collective Intelligence of age in architecture. Value: The work critically examines the Western housing models for older persons and develops viable perspectives for implementation in the Romanian space.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihaela ZAMFIR & Ileana CIOBANU & Andreea Georgiana MARIN & Mihai-Viorel ZAMFIR, 2024. "Innovative concepts of age-friendly residential architectureas a support for ageing in place and in community-from Western models of best practices to solutions for the Romanian space," Smart Cities International Conference (SCIC) Proceedings, Smart-EDU Hub, Faculty of Public Administration, National University of Political Studies & Public Administration, vol. 12, pages 335-352, september.
    • Handle: RePEc:pop:procee:v:12:y:2024:335-352
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Onder, Ali Sina & Schlunk, Herwig, 2015. "State Taxes, Tax Exemptions, and Elderly Migration," Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy, Mid-Continent Regional Science Association, vol. 45(01).
    2. Bonnet, Carole & Gobillon, Laurent & Laferrère, Anne, 2010. "The effect of widowhood on housing and location choices," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 19(2), pages 94-108, June.
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    6. Jeffrey H. Dorfman & Anne M. Mandich, 2016. "Senior Migration: Spatial Considerations Of Amenity And Health Access Drivers," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 56(1), pages 96-133, January.
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    JEL classification:

    • O35 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Social Innovation

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