Challenging Architecture as We Grow Older

Abstract

Viewed globally, the lengthening of life spans is an undeniable reality. Although on the subject of the third age's problems, we can speak of a thorough documentation regarding the differences in space perception at this age and the effects of relocation in conjunction with a blurred feeling of home, we are in an early stage concerning the translation of these issues into practice. We try to highlight the best practices and concepts in design issues concerning elderly people, reveal the top references of current knowledge which can and will help both architects and residents to raise expectations in this area. It is also important to identify common aspects that reflect large scale trends and particularities which complete these approaches. This article aims to cover a wide range of situations, from rural to urban centers, assessing a variety of social formations and levels of elderly care; also, are taken into account the differences between projects designed to encourage the interest of residents in different areas and projects focused on remedying people's living impairments. Thus, there is a clear direction in recent years to plan strategies for providing support to older people to live an independent and meaningful life, as much as possible. Space is not only defined by its location, takes on different connotations of spatiality, when is interpreted through human interaction. Globalization, so prominent in recent years, does not have to lead to a uniformity of experience where the personal feeling or meaning of every place is lost. Personal identity preserved and a high degree of sociability can have a positive impact later in everyone's life to maintain a sense of affiliation to a certain social community.