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

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.