The number of people 65 or older is expected to double in the next 20 years. When designing spaces for older adults, it's essential to consider that communities will become increasingly multi-generational. Thus, the spaces created for older community members should focus on promoting holistic wellness, purpose and activity to encourage stronger connections among different generations in urban and social settings. These are the ideas fueling senior living design trends in 2023.
Universal Design
Universal design is a popular trend in senior living architecture and design. It focuses on creating spaces that are accessible and functional for people with a range of physical abilities. This approach ensures that everyone can move through and use the area safely and comfortably regardless of their physical state. Universal design features include wide doorways, grab bars and lever-style door handles, which make it easy for people with mobility impairments to move around. This approach can also feature adjustable-height counters, easy-to-reach storage and easy-to-use controls for appliances and lighting. By creating spaces that are accessible and functional for a range of abilities, senior living communities can promote independence, safety and comfort for all their residents.
Small-House Design
Small-house design is an emerging trend in senior living architecture and design that creates a more homelike and intimate setting for residents. Instead of the traditional large-scale senior living communities, small-scale communities are built with a cluster of self-contained "houses" within the community, each with its own front door, living room, kitchen and bedroom. This design approach promotes a sense of independence and autonomy among residents while still providing the necessary support and care services.
By living in smaller and more intimate settings, residents can build stronger connections with their neighbors, fostering community and social interaction. Additionally, small-house design can provide a more personal and familiar experience, because it resembles the traditional home setting. This can benefit older adults who have always lived in a house and may find it difficult to adjust to a more institutional setting.
Connection to Community
Community spaces are an important aspect of senior living architecture and design. They provide opportunities for residents to socialize and interact with one another, including lounges, libraries, gardens and other communal areas designed to promote a sense of community and belonging among residents. Community spaces can also provide opportunities for residents to participate in various activities, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts and educational lectures, which can help maintain physical and mental well-being.
Personalized Spaces
Personalization is an increasingly popular trend in senior living architecture and design that allows residents to customize their living spaces to suit their individual needs and preferences, including the layout of living spaces, color schemes, types of furniture and even flooring. By allowing residents to personalize their living spaces, they can create an area that is comfortable and reflective of their style and personality, promoting a sense of ownership and autonomy.
Always be Evaluating
By applying these trends and principles to your community, residents can be provided with modern spaces that promote independence, safety and comfort. It's important to remember that senior living design should be a continuous process, where the needs of residents are continuously evaluated and improvements are made to enhance their experience. As the population ages, it's essential to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in senior living design to provide your residents with the best quality of life possible!