“Can Enhanced Outdoor Space Improve Seniors Housing?” written by “Susan D.

Rodiek “and published

online on 11 August 2014.

The paper is about findings of improving outdoor spaces that can be utilized for accessibility, comfort,
and aesthetic issues. Even though there are outdoor spaces provided, they lack to meet the need of
seniors expectations in housing and are underutilized.

The importance of outdoor spaces are less examined. Even though outdoor spaces are admired by older
people, they lack participating, maybe Architecture or the landscape is in fault. With some survey tools
of a set of questions about how older people feel about outdoor spaces, what kind of activities they
prefer and what environmental features can encourage or discourage them

Many researches found that Housing having ground level features with nature, patios or balconies were
more likely preferable by older people. It can be said that an outdoor activity active architecture can
benefit the health of older people, as researched for younger people. This can be influenced by
Increased outdoor activity, Sunlight and bright lights, a contact with nature.

In Spite of all this, it is underutilized. Lack of design and resources that are for older seniors seemingly
makes it look that seniors are not interested to come outside, but in nursing places, they are seen
walking with assistance or by themselves.

Lack of protection from the sun and wind, visual aspects, position of the outdoor space that were not
easily accessible made less suitable for the elders.

Some surveys were done to understand the needs of seniors. This included Survey and photo
comparison. Approximately 15 residents were randomly selected who were participating outdoors
wither with help or no help, from each facility, with a total of 211 participants.

The results seemed that most people enjoyed their times outdoors, except 8% of the total participants.
They liked the fresh air, the feeling of belonging to outdoor, they wanted to see nature. Most of the
results were outdoor spaces making them feel better.

But also, not everyone should be encouraged to be outdoors for a long time. Asthma Patients, Certain
Medicated patients can be benefited from alternatives such as viewing outdoors from windows or
spending time in atrium

So the study helped that seniors had a strong interest in the outdoors, their preferences for the design,
the problems how maintaining the outdoors facilities were under neutralizing it. All this can be fixed
with their prefered outdoor design

Even the housing preferences can be different, certain common features include adequate walking
surface, adequate shade, comfortable seating, wind and sun protection etc. Even though there is a thin
line of knowing what's a health benefitted design and what's a residential care design. But all has
economical benefits and other benefits from the seniors from being self independent, healthy and
happier residents even though providers may think they are increasing the potential for accidents and
liability. But in reality, it can be the opposite due to their own liability.

So it is very important to design accordingly to the age for outdoor spaces which will benefit them and
for a better future.