Do you have a luxury hospitality brand aimed at the
financially-secure baby boomer generation?
Designing for an older generation isn’t just about a more traditional
aesthetic. It requires an understanding
of the physical and mental characteristics of this population. Most of us begin to notice changes in our
body and memory in our mid-forties, and around the age of 60, more noticeable
changes begin to occur, requiring different design parameters.
The majority of boomers have vision problems, are sensitive
to glare, and are also hearing impaired.
These problems cause discomfort and affect attention span, making conversations
difficult which can create a sense of isolation. Dining areas filled with glare and noise
exacerbate the problem. Tables should be
small and the chair arms should fit under the table so food isn’t out of reach. Arms on dining chairs as well as sofas and
accent chairs should extend beyond the seat so the person can stand up and sit
with better support, and the seat should not be too low.
With the use of well-designed lighting, proper flooring
materials, level and interesting walking paths, and well-designed handrails and
supports, seniors can increase their mobility and get more exercise which
increases both their physical and mental health. Circulatory problems, agitation, and depression
are at least partially caused by lack of motion. People feel more comfortable moving around in
an environment that offers stability. A well-designed handrail along corridors
and walkways allows people to grasp the rail and permits them to glide along
the rail, leaning on the forearm if needed.
And oval shape, with a broader, flat surface that can be used for arm
support is best. Insufficient lighting
along walkways is one of the biggest problems for those with vision problems.
Using softer flooring materials such as wood or faux wood
with rubber padding under it, or a low-pile carpet helps mitigate the hazards
of a fall. Throw rugs, although homey,
are major trip hazards. In addition to
being soft, carpet improves acoustics and reduces glare which is a huge issue
for older eyes. Patterns in the flooring
material should be kept to a minimum, because they can put seniors off
balance. There should be a clear
distinction between the vertical wall plane and the horizontal floor
plane. That means matching the wall base
to the wall, not the floor. Because of
impaired depth perception, a sharp contrast between the color of the floor and
the wall is necessary. Balance is
affected when the distinction is not clear.
Most buildings aren’t designed with an understanding of
managing not only physical impairment, but cognitive impairment as well. Building and interior design is integral to
wellbeing for seniors. There will be a
larger percentage of the total elderly population in the future, and the number
of disabled seniors is expected to grow.
Most seniors have multiple disabilities, but environments can be
designed to provide support, enhance, and simplify lives, and make them more
enjoyable.
The author, Elisa Garcia, leads Statement Design, a
wellness-focused interior design and construction management firm in California. www.statementdesignstudio.com
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