A Study in Bedroom Living Environment Preferences of The Urban Elderly in China

sustainability
Article
A Study in Bedroom Living Environment Preferences of the
Urban Elderly in China
Muchun Li 1,2,3 , Qi Cai 1 , Can Li 1 , Xingnan Wu 1 , Tao Wang 4 , Jian Xu 1,2,3,5, * and Zhicai Wu 1,2,3,5, *
1 Department of Tourism Management, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
2 Key Laboratory of Digital Village and Sustainable Development of Culture and Tourism,
Guangzhou 510006, China
3 Guangdong Tourism Strategy and Policy Research Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
4 School of Architecture, Zhijiang College of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310024, China
5 State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, Guangzhou 510640, China
* Correspondence: jianxu@scut.edu.cn (J.X.); zhcwu@scut.edu.cn (Z.W.); Tel.: +86-181-4288-6885 (J.X.)
Abstract: This study aims to analyze the indoor environment preferences of Chinese urban elderly, to
create a living environment that is beneficial to the physical and mental health of Chinese elderly,
and to enhance their sense of well-being. Based on an in-depth study of 306 urban elderly’s bedroom
indoor environment preference in 21 Chinese provinces, using questionnaire method, this study con-
cludes that: (1) Group characteristics: for urban elderly, the key words for bedroom color and lighting
preference are low saturation, bright, warm tones and warm white light; personal characteristics such
as the gender, physical condition, and education have a strong correlation with factors in the indoor
living environment; (2) Physical environment preferences: gender presents the most significant
potential effect on elderly physical environment preferences; (3) Established indicator system: the
indicator system includes five main indicators of basic bedroom conditions, bedroom materials,
bedroom colors, bedroom physical environment and other soft furnishings, and 22 sub-indicators.
Citation: Li, M.; Cai, Q.; Li, C.; Wu, This study has some implications for guiding the design of elderly’s apartments and the bedroom
X.; Wang, T.; Xu, J.; Wu, Z. A Study in environment, as well as effectively using the indoor environment to meet the physiological and
Bedroom Living Environment psychological needs of the urban elderly.
Preferences of the Urban Elderly in
China. Sustainability 2022, 14, 13552. Keywords: urban elderly; bedroom living environment preference; subjective evaluation; question-
https://doi.org/10.3390/ naire method; China
su142013552
Academic Editor: José Carmelo

Adsuar Sala
1. Introduction
Received: 28 August 2022
Accepted: 17 October 2022
Since the 21st century, the world has been transitioning into an aging society, and
Published: 20 October 2022
China’s aging problem is particularly serious [1]. Over the last 20 years, the proportion
of China’s elderly population aged 60 has increased by 8.7 percentage points, which are
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral 5.1 percentage points higher than the global average and 2.5 percentage points higher than
with regard to jurisdictional claims in developed countries. China currently has the world’s largest elderly population [2], with
published maps and institutional affil-
18.70% of the elderly aged 60 and above and 13.50% of the elderly aged 65 and above [3].
iations.
It is predicted that by 2025, the proportion of the elderly population in China will reach
25%, which means that there will be one elderly person in every four people. With such a
large number of the elderly, their physical condition and mental outlook will be directly
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
related to the stability of the whole society [4]. Furthermore, the aging of the population
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
is inextricably linked to social sustainability. On the one hand, social sustainability is a
This article is an open access article system project based on population. Meanwhile, population aging has direct effects on
distributed under the terms and population structure, development and demand. On the other hand, population aging is
conditions of the Creative Commons also an inevitable result of sustainable social development [5]. The elderly face physical
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// decline, changes in activity focus, narrowing of social interaction, slower pace of life and
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ obsolescence of knowledge and skills, causing them to have diverse needs for a bedroom
4.0/). living environment than the young. The elderly living conditions are often the most basic
Sustainability 2022, 14, 13552. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013552 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2022, 14, 13552 2 of 23
and prominent of the aging problems. The demand for an age-friendly living environment
is expanding from material needs to the spiritual level, providing a living environment that
is conducive to the physical and mental health of the elderly in China has become the focus
of the whole society [6]. As a result, a positive attitude toward aging is the only way to turn
the pressure of population aging into a driving force for sustainable socio-economic growth.
Previous research has concentrated on the following aspects: (1) Research related to
intelligent age-friendly housing. A new round of technological revolution is emerging,
with information and communication technology at its core, driving fundamental changes
in all aspects of human economic and social life. Smart care for the elderly was created by
combining the elderly with the Internet, the Mobile Internet, and the Internet of Things.
There have been numerous studies in recent years on the design and planning of aging-
friendly housing and facilities using intelligent technology or with the help of Internet
big data and cross-application of ergonomics, architecture, and other disciplines [7–9].
Additionally, aging-friendly housing has gradually become a focus of attention in academia
and industry due to the increase in the number of elderly people living alone so that help
the elderly create a comfortable living environment [8]. (2) Research related to the physical
environment of indoor spaces. On the one hand, focusing on the overall quality assessment
of the indoor environment [10,11], scholars provide theoretical support for the design of
senior housing by studying the impact of the overall physical environment on the elderly
population in senior living institutions or senior housing [10]. On the other hand, they
focus on a single element of the physical environment, such as sound, heat, light, and air
quality, evaluating a single element of the physical environment in senior housing and
then making recommendations for optimization [12–14]. Meanwhile, some scholars have
researched the relationship between two physical environments. For example, Mendes et al.
focused on the assessment of indoor environmental variables (IAQ and TC) in the ECCs
that might influence elderly comfort and well-being and interact with their already existent
chronic diseases [15]. (3) Research related to bedroom living environment preference of the
elderly. With the improvement of economic living standards, attention must be paid to both
the material and spiritual needs of elderly people. Studies on the subjective assessment
of elderly people’s satisfaction with their housing, their needs, and their preferences for
housing design have gradually become a research focus [16,17]. Studies usually combine
physical measurements of the indoor environment and subjective evaluations to assess
senior housing and make recommendations regarding the comfort, convenience, and safety
of senior housing [17].
Currently, indoor studies tend to involve the entire living environment and less often
focus on a single bedroom. Bedrooms are the most important resting spaces in the elderly
entire living unit, which serve not only as sleeping areas, but also as places to nourish body
and mind, enjoy hobbies, deeply affecting the quality of life of the elderly in their old age.
Several studies have investigated the design of local factors for the elderly bedroom, with a
focus primarily on the physical environment of the bedroom and the bedroom smart home
and smart systems [18–20]. For example, using a wrist-worn sleep tracker, Yan et al. [19]
used physical measurements to examine the thermal environment as well as ventilation
in the bedrooms of elderly subjects in order to investigate the thermal environment and
ventilation in the bedrooms of elderly subjects and their relationship with summer sleep
quality. Based on the special psychological and physiological characteristics of the elderly
and their needs for the bedroom environment, Liu et al. [20] introduces intelligent control
systems into the furniture design of the elderly bedroom space and explores its advantages,
disadvantages and feasibility. As a result, most of the existing studies focus on the physical
environment of the bedroom and the design of the intelligent bedroom, with less research
on bedroom decoration, materials, furniture, furnishings, and lighting. Therefore, this
paper aims to identify the preferences of the elderly for bedroom furniture, decoration,
and physical environment in order to develop a humanized bedroom environment with
cultural sensibilities that are conducive to their physical and mental well-being.
According to the positivist methodology of sociology, many social phenomena are

random phenomena. Statistics is a mathematical tool devoted to the study of these kind
of phenomena, which provides a series of quantitative methods for studying them. The
manifestation of scientific positivism in sociological research is the use of large-scale ques-
tionnaires to understand a wide variety of social facts and to provide empirical materials
for theoretical research [21].
The aim of this paper is to study the preference and reasons for the bedroom indoor
environment of the urban elderly in China. Based on the philosophical stance of scien-
tific positivism, this paper adopts a questionnaire approach, defining the framework of
the questionnaire based on literature studies, with individual interviews to supplement
the description of the questionnaire. The article collects data on urban elderly bedroom
living environment preferences from 21 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities
directly under the central government in China, using descriptive analysis, Chi-square
independence test and interaction analysis to reveal the association between each potential
influencing factor and urban elderly bedroom living environment preference, as well as
suggesting how they should be designed. The objectives are to achieve the following tasks:
i. To investigate overall preference of bedroom indoor living environment of the Chinese
urban elderly.
ii. To study the relationship between population characteristics, design factors and
elderly indoor environment preference.
iii. To provide recommendations for designing bedroom living environments for Chinese
urban elderly.
2. Methodology
2.1. Research Approaches
Based on literature research and semi-structured interview method, this study estab-
lishes the index system of the elderly bedroom elements and designs the elderly bedroom
preference questionnaire. In this research, the empirical analysis consists of the following
three parts: (1) Descriptive analysis: The results obtained from the collected data are briefly
described through descriptive analysis, which is used to analyze the overall preferences
of the elderly for the indoor environment. (2) Chi-square independence test: This study
used categorical data as the data form in questionnaire. The chi-square test, an important
analytical method, is designed to analyze the relationship between two categorical data.
Therefore, this study applied the chi-square test for independence to conduct the data
analysis. It is aimed to determine whether there is a significant correlation between each
potential influencing factor and the bedroom living environment preference of the elderly
by the magnitude of the p-value. (3) Interaction analysis: When the p-value was less than
0.05, the independent chi-square test was passed. By using interaction analysis, this study
further analyzed the percentage between different attributes and the indoor environment
preference of the elderly, which is to compare the specific differences in the indoor environ-
ment preference of elderly people under different demographic characteristics and designs.
Figure 1 shows the research methodology of this study.
2.2. Research Objects

Under international regulations, people over the age of 60 are considered elderly. In
spite of China’s late entry into aging society, its elderly population is large and aging is a
rapid process [22]. Some of the personality traits of the elderly in China include loneliness,
anxiety, reduced activity, reduced adaptability, recalling the past, and a preference for
comfort and security [23]. These characteristics determine that they have unusual and
special needs for the living environment. Different cultural backgrounds and historical
processes have given birth to very different concepts and models of aging in contemporary
China [24]. Compared to the Western elderly who pursue more material and spiritual
independence [25], the Chinese concept of old age is influenced by Confucianism and
the traditional “filial culture”, with the concept of “raising children for old age” being
deeply rooted [26], so they tend to be more dependent on their children. However, the
contemporary Chinese children often have difficulties in balancing the interaction and
other needs of the elderly. Although nursing homes and time banks are developing, they
are still relatively immature at the moment. Family pension mode remains the main mode
of pension for Chinese seniors. In the context of the unique Chinese elderly personality and
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 23 of
the lack of family interaction, it is important to study the living environment preferences
Chinese urban elderly and increase the comfort of their physical and mental experience
through the design of living space.
Figure 1. Research methodology.
Figure
2.3. 1. Research
Data Analysismethodology.
The questionnaire was distributed online using Questionnaire Star (a professional
2.2. Research Objects
online authoritative questionnaire platform widely used in enterprise and university re-
search Under
[27]) international
from 19 January regulations, people over
to 20 February 2022,the age of
which 60 are considered
coincided elderly. In
with the Chinese New
Year holiday, when children returned to their hometowns for the New Year andaging
spite of China’s late entry into aging society, its elderly population is large and couldisassist
a
rapid process [22]. Some of the personality traits of the elderly in China include
the elderly in filling out the questionnaire, which was conducive to improving question- loneliness,
anxiety,
naire reduced
quality. activity, reduced
Respondents adaptability,
were able to completerecalling the past, andby
the questionnaire a preference
scanning the forQR
comfort and security
code with We Chat 8.0.17. [23]. These characteristics determine that they have unusual and spe-
cial needs
Due to forthe
thelarge
living environment.
difference Differentdevelopment
in economic cultural backgrounds and historical
and ideology, pro-
this study only
cesses have given birth to very different concepts and models of aging
issued questionnaires for inland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), in contemporary
China [24]. Compared to the Western elderly who pursue more material and spiritual in-
and questionnaire data were collected from 16 provinces, 2 autonomous regions, and
dependence [25], the Chinese concept of old age is influenced by Confucianism and the
3 municipalities directly under the central government, with a high coverage of 61.76% of
traditional “filial culture”, with the concept of “raising children for old age” being deeply
the surveyed areas, and 306 valid questionnaires were collected. The distribution is pre-
rooted [26], so they tend to be more dependent on their children. However, the contem-
sented in Figure 2.
porary Chinese children often have difficulties in balancing the interaction and other
needs
2.4. of the elderly.
Establishment Although
of Indoor nursing Preference
Environment homes andIndextimeSystem
banks and
are developing,
Questionnairethey are for
Design
still relatively
Elderly People’simmature
Bedroom at the moment. Family pension mode remains the main mode of
pension for Chinese seniors. In the context of the unique Chinese elderly personality and
In this study, by combing the indoor environment elements contained in the buildings
the lack of family interaction, it is important to study the living environment preferences
of senior housing and nursing homes with the supplement of semi-structured interviews,
of Chinese urban elderly and increase the comfort of their physical and mental experience
we established an index system of elderly people’s bedroom living environment preference
through the design of living space.
by dividing the bedroom elements into five parts: basic bedroom conditions, bedroom ma-
terials, bedroom colors, bedroom physical environment and other soft furnishings [28–37]
2.3. Data Analysis
(see Table 1). According to this index system, a questionnaire was designed. The question-
naireThewasquestionnaire
divided into two was major
distributed
parts, online using
the first part Questionnaire Star (a professional
was the demographic characteristics
online authoritative questionnaire platform widely used in enterprise
of the respondents, including six aspects such as gender, age, occupation, and monthly
universityincome,
re-
search [27]) from 19 January to 20 February 2022, which coincided with the Chinese New
education, and physical condition; the second part was 32 questions related to the bedroom
Year holiday, when children returned to their hometowns for the New Year and could
living preferences of the respondents, and the questionnaire had a total of 38 questions.
assist the elderly in filling out the questionnaire, which was conducive to improving ques-
tionnaire quality. Respondents were able to complete the questionnaire by scanning the
QR code with We Chat 8.0.17.
Due to the large difference in economic development and ideology, this study only
issued questionnaires for inland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), and
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 23
surveyed areas, and 306 valid questionnaires were collected. The distribution is presented
in Figure 2.
Surveyarea
Figure2.2.Survey
Figure areaand
andthe
thedistribution
distributionofofvalid
validquestionnaire.
questionnaire.
2.4. Establishment
Table 1. Bedroom of Indoor
indoor Environment
environment Preference
preferences Index
index System
system andurban
of the Questionnaire
elderly. Design
for Elderly People’s Bedroom
Question Sub-Factors Key Findings Reference
In this study, by combing the indoor environment elements contained in the build-
Towards
Q7–12 Basic Floor ings of senior housing
7 styles of Romantic, and nursing
Classic, Country,homes
Modern,with the supplement
Natural, of semi-structured
Casual, and Traditional were inter-
information Area views, wechosen established an index
for the study and thesystem
realms toof elderly
apply people’s
the image bedroom
preference living environment
were divided [28–30]
of bedroom Decoration style
preference by dividing the bedroom elements into Space into five parts: basic bedroom conditions,
Window scene
bedroom materials, bedroom colors, bedroom physical environment and other soft fur-
Floor
Q13–19 The Wall
nishingsStarting
[28–37]from(see Table 1).
the material According
properties, to this
elaborated index furniture
the modern system,materials
a questionnaire
in the was de-
material signed. form questionnaire
The of visual performance,was color
dividedperformance
into twoandmajor
the performance
parts, theof first
texture, fully
part was the demo-
Sofa [31]
contained in reflected the possibilities and endless charm of material in the modern
Curtain graphic characteristics of the respondents, including six aspects such as gender, age, oc-
the bedroom furniture design.
Bed sheet
cupation, monthly income, education, and physical condition; the second part was 32
Saturation
questions related
Results to the bedroom
demonstrate livingforpreferences
that preferences warm and cool ofcolors
the respondents,
depend on the room and the question-
Q20–22 Color Luminosity
naire had type;
a The color
total of 38 scheme on one side of the wall with increased saturation seemed to
questions. [32,33]
of bedroom Warm/cold tone
improve depressive symptoms effectively.
Hue To help the elderly understand the questions more clearly and intuitively, some ques-
Q23–29 Visual IEQtions were supplemented with pictures; to avoid sequential effects, the questions and op-
Physical Acoustic IEQ
tions wereThe setevaluation
in random uses orders.
16 parameters,
Beforefourthe
for questionnaire
each of the four areas
wasof officially
IEQ (IAQ, distributed, 36
[34,35]
Environment Thermal IEQ thermal, visual and acoustic IEQ).
of bedroom small-scale
Indoor Air Quality pre-surveys were conducted with professionals in related fields and the el-
Furniture
derly around us, and the questionnaire items were further modified and
In this study, the characteristics of the built-in closets such as structure, function and improved based
Q30–38 Others on the interviews
material wereand responses
studied to analyzeafter thechanges
the basic surveyand tocompared
ensure that the elderly
the normal closet to could[36,37]
clearly
Furnishings the built-in closet toof
analyze the elements in terms of environment andtoconvenience.
understand the content the questions. The average time taken complete the question-
naire was 10 min. At the end of the questionnaire, a random bonus reward and a sharing
bonusTo help were
reward the elderly
provided understand
to increasethe thequestions
spread of more clearly and and
the questionnaire intuitively,
promotesomethe
questions were
enthusiasm supplemented
of filling with pictures; to avoid sequential effects, the questions and
out the questionnaire.
options were set in random orders. Before the questionnaire was officially distributed,
36 small-scale pre-surveys were conducted with professionals in related fields and the
elderly around us, and the questionnaire items were further modified and improved
based on the interviews and responses after the survey to ensure that the elderly could
clearly understand the content of the questions. The average time taken to complete the
questionnaire was 10 min. At the end of the questionnaire, a random bonus reward and
a sharing bonus reward were provided to increase the spread of the questionnaire and
promote the enthusiasm of filling out the questionnaire.
3. Results
3.1. Descriptive Analysis
Of the 306 respondents, 71% were female, which is basically in line with the reality
that women account for 68% of the urban elderly population in China [38]. About 40% of
the respondents have a bachelor’s degree, about 51% are employed in enterprises and
institutions, and about 13% are farmers who later move to the city with their children to
retire. The average age of the sample is around 68 years old, and about 61% of them are
between 60 and 64 years old. About 41% of them have a monthly income of RMB 4000–7000
(US$ 596.8–1044.4) for their pension, which is higher than the national per capita disposable
monthly income of RMB 2927 (US$ 436.7084) in 2021. This indicates that the urban elderly
in China is relatively affluent materially, which objectively supports the statistics that
95% of the elderly say they need “spiritual companionship” and “spiritual care” in their
old age [39]. Among the samples, 43.14% are in good health. In summary, early retirement,
good health, and more “crystal intelligence” are their more prominent characteristics
Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW
[40].
7 of 23
Details of the socio-demographic characteristics of the tested individuals are presented
in Figure 3.
Figure3.
Figure 3. Socio-demographic
Socio-demographic characteristics
characteristicsof
ofthe
theparticipants.
participants.
3.2.
3.2. Overall
Overall Analysis
Analysis of
of Bedroom
Bedroom Living
Living Environment
EnvironmentPreferences
Preferencesofofthe
theElderly
Elderlyin
inUrban
UrbanChina
China
3.2.1.
3.2.1. Preference
Preference for
for Bedroom
BedroomBasics
Basics
(1)
(1) In
In terms
terms ofof floor,
floor,because
becauseofofthe
thedegeneration
degeneration ofofmotor
motorfunctions
functions[41], and
[41], considering
and consider-
the convenience of travel, 58.17% of them choose to live on lower
ing the convenience of travel, 58.17% of them choose to live on lower floors floors (1–3 floors).
(1–3
Only 1.96% of them choose super high floors (above 20 floors), probably
floors). Only 1.96% of them choose super high floors (above 20 floors), probably due due to
the relatively thin air on high floors, which can easily cause dizziness
to the relatively thin air on high floors, which can easily cause dizziness due to feardue to fear
of
of heights.
heights.
(2)
(2) About bedroom
About bedroom orientation,
orientation,China
Chinaisislocated
locatedininthe
thenorthern
northern hemisphere,
hemisphere, thethe
house is
house
more conducive to sunlight, while having the advantages of warm in winter and cool
is more conducive to sunlight, while having the advantages of warm in winter and
in summer. Therefore, 75.82% of the elderly prefer to face the south of the room.
cool in summer. Therefore, 75.82% of the elderly prefer to face the south of the room.
(3) For the bedroom area, more than 50% of the elderly prefer to live in a room of
(3) For the bedroom area, more than 50% of the elderly prefer to live in a room of 15–24
15–24 square meters. Area less than 15 square meters, the elderly activities and storage
square meters. Area less than 15 square meters, the elderly activities and storage
space will be squeezed. If the bedroom area exceeds 24 m2, it will appear empty and
insecure.
(4) In terms of decoration style, the elderly prefers modern minimalist style (51.63%) and
new Chinese style (37.91%). They have the characteristics of simplicity, naturalness
and calm atmosphere, which are in line with the character traits of nostalgia and pur-
space will be squeezed. If the bedroom area exceeds 24 m2 , it will appear empty
and insecure.
(4) In terms of decoration style, the elderly prefers modern minimalist style (51.63%) and
new Chinese style (37.91%). They have the characteristics of simplicity, naturalness
and calm atmosphere, which are in line with the character traits of nostalgia and
pursuit of stability of the Chinese elderly, reflecting the return to the basics after
reading all the prosperity.
3.2.2. Preference for Bedroom Materials

(1) About door materials, more than 50% of the elderly prefer solid wood doors to metal
and glass doors.
(2) In terms of flooring materials, wooden floors have the advantages of non-slip, deep
color and dirt resistance, mild and comfortable foot feeling and reducing pressure [42].
Therefore, the vast majority of the elderly (87.58%) prefer wooden floors.
(3) For wall materials, wallpaper (30.72%) and latex paint (28.76%) are the most preferred
materials by the elderly.
(4) In terms of sofa materials, the elderly prefers cloth (43.14%) and leather (36.6%) and
other comfortable soft materials.
(5) About curtains, cotton and linen are breathable and environmentally friendly, which
are loved by the majority of seniors (63.4%).
(6) In terms of bedding materials, cotton material has a comfortable, anti-itch, skin-friendly
and anti-static properties. Therefore, it is more preferred by the elderly (86.27%).
3.2.3. Preference for Bedroom Color and Lighting

(1) In terms of color, 73.86% of the elderly prefer rooms with low saturation.
(2) About brightness, because of the declining of pupillary as people age [43], the bright-
ness needed increases, and bright light can promote physical and mental health [44],
most of the elderly (85.62%) would prefer a bright room.
(3) As for the choice of warm and cold hue, 77.78% of the elderly chose rooms with warm
hue, because warm hue can give them a peaceful and warm feeling, which is more
in line with the psychological needs of the elderly. At the same time, the elderly will
avoid the warm light that feels stimulating and hot and the cold light that is cold and
lonely in the choice of light color, and choose the warm white light with moderate
color (69.28%).
3.2.4. Preference for Bedroom Interior Decoration and Furnishings

(1) In the choice of lamps, the elderly prefer chandeliers (43.14%) and decorative lamps
(32.68%) with a wide range of lighting.
(2) In the type of lamps, simple and environmentally friendly ceiling lamps that do not
hide dust and are easy to clean are more popular (63.4%).
(3) As for the choice of wall hangings, Chinese paintings (35.95%) and oil paintings
(26.8%) are preferred by the elderly.
(4) In the type of clocks, the majority of the elderly choose the pointer clock (76.47%) and
prefer to hang the clock on the wall (84.62%). This may be related to the nostalgic
feelings and habits of the elderly for many years, and there are significant differences
with the preferences of young people.
(5) In the choice of practical crafts, ceramic ware (64.05%) is the most popular among
the elderly, not only for the reason that the porcelain is part of traditional Chinese
culture, in line with the aesthetic views of the country, but also because the elderly
has experienced great storms, porcelain shows the stability, elegance and quiet and
the state of mind of the elderly more compatible.
(6) In terms of greenery, simple and well-kept foliage plants (52.29%) are more popular
among the elderly, and most of them have 1 to 5 pots of flowers.
In other aspects, regarding the choice of bed softness, most of the elderly would choose
a hard bed; for heating, a majority of the elderly chose radiators and floor heating; on air
purification, almost all seniors would choose natural ventilation; about noise, more seniors
(69.93%) hate outdoor construction noise; in terms of window type, 58.82% of the elderly
prefer floor-to-ceiling windows; as to the window view, garden greenery (43.14%) and
leisure pavilion (41.83%) are the most popular among the elderly.
3.3. Correlation and Impact Analysis of Indoor Environmental Preferences of Chinese

Urban Elderly
To complement the descriptive analysis, statistical analyses were conducted. A chi-
square test of independence was applied to find associations between various potential
elements and bedroom living environment design.
3.3.1. Preference for Bedroom Basics

(1) The Relevance of Color and Bedroom Living Environment Design
Through the interactive analysis of brightness with window types and lamp types,
Figure 4a,b is obtained, which reveals a significant effect of brightness on window types
and lamp types (p < 0.001). The elderly who prefers brightness prefer chandeliers and
decorative lights with a wide range of illumination and floor-to-ceiling windows with the
largestglass
largest glass area.
area. Similarly,
Similarly, the
the color
color degree has a significant effect on thethe decoration
decoration style
style
(p<< 0.05), and by Figure 4c, it is found
(p found that
that the
the group
group of
of seniors
seniors who
who prefer
prefer high
highsaturation
saturation
prefer the
prefer the new
new Chinese
Chinese style,
style, while
while those who prefer low saturation
saturation prefer
prefer the
the modern
modern
minimaliststyle
minimalist styleofofdecoration.
decoration.Finally,
Finally, cool
cool andand warm
warm huehue
are are
alsoalso statistically
statistically signifi-
significantly
cantly correlated
correlated with flooring
with flooring materialmaterial (p < 0.001).
(p < 0.001). FigureFigure
4d shows4d shows that
that the the elderly
elderly who
who prefer
prefer hue
cooler cooler hue marble
prefer prefer marble
flooringflooring material,
material, while who
while those thoseprefer
who prefer
warmer warmer hue
hue prefer
preferflooring.
wood wood flooring.
Figure 4.
Figure 4. Color-related
Color-related differences
differences in indoor environment design:
design: (a)
(a) Stack
Stack bar
bar of
of cross
cross analysis
analysis of
of
differences according to brightness and window type; (b) Stack bar of cross analysis of brightness
differences according to brightness and window type; (b) Stack bar of cross analysis of brightness and
and lamps;
lamps; (c) Stack
(c) Stack bar of bar
crossofanalysis
cross analysis of chroma
of chroma and decoration
and decoration style; (d) style;
Stack (d)
bar Stack bar
of cross of cross
analysis of
analysis of warm and cold hue and floor material.
warm and cold hue and floor material.
(2) The Relevance of Other Factors to the Design of the Bedroom Living Environment
Cross-tabulating the other factors with the interior environment design, the prefer-
ence of mattress softness among the elderly is statistically significantly correlated with
sofa material, decoration style with overhead light type and greenery type with bedding
pattern. Using Figure 5a–c, the following results are obtained: (1) The elderly has different
preference for furniture softness and firmness. The preference of mattress softness ranged
from hard to soft groups, and the preference of sofa material showed a change from wood,
(2) The Relevance of Other Factors to the Design of the Bedroom Living Environment
Cross-tabulating the other factors with the interior environment design, the prefer-
ence of mattress softness among the elderly is statistically significantly correlated with
sofa material, decoration style with overhead light type and greenery type with bedding
pattern. Using Figure 5a–c, the following results are obtained: (1) The elderly has different
preference for furniture softness and firmness. The preference of mattress softness ranged
from hard to soft groups, and the preference of sofa material showed a change from wood,
leather, and rattan to fabric; (2) There is a high consistency in the choice of decoration style
and type of overhead lighting among the elderly. The elderly who prefers European style
prefer European chandeliers, and those who prefer modern minimalist style prefer ceiling
lights; (3) According to the preference of bedding patterns and greenery types, the elderly
can be divided into three categories. The first category of elderly people prefer lively and
colorful patterns, prefer plants with ornamental fruit, plants with ornamental flower and
floral pattern bedding; the second category of the elderly prefer regular patterns, prefer
plants with ornamental foliage and lattice striped bedding patterns; the third category of
elderly people prefer simple patterns, prefer plants with ornamental stem and simple solid
color bedding patterns.
Figure 5. Differences
Figure 5. Differencesaccording to other
according factors
to other in indoor
factors environment
in indoor environmentdesign: (a) (a)
design: Cross analysis
Cross analysis
radar chart of mattress firmness and sofa material; (b) Cross analysis radar chart of decoration
radar chart of mattress firmness and sofa material; (b) Cross analysis radar chart of decoration style
style
and ceiling light type; (c) Radar chart of cross analysis of green plant type and bedding
and ceiling light type; (c) Radar chart of cross analysis of green plant type and bedding pattern.pattern.
3.3.2. Correlations between Demographic Characteristics and Bedroom

Living Environment
(1) Correlations of Gender with Basic Bedroom Conditions, Sound, Light, Heat and Air
Cross-tabulations of gender with seven different dependent variables of basic bed-
room condition and sound, light, heat and air are analyzed. The results show that gender
is statistically associated with the six dependent variables of floor and decorating style (p
< 0.05). Gender and lamps pass the chi-square test (p < 0.001).
Among the personal characteristics, gender plays a significant influence on the choice
of floor and decoration style preference of the elderly. In Figure 6a, it can be seen that
women have a significantly greater preference for lower floors (1–3 floors) than men,
3.3.2. Correlations between Demographic Characteristics and Bedroom

Living Environment
(1) Correlations of Gender with Basic Bedroom Conditions, Sound, Light, Heat and Air
Cross-tabulations of gender with seven different dependent variables of basic bedroom
condition and sound, light, heat and air are analyzed. The results show that gender is
statistically associated with the six dependent variables of floor and decorating style
(p < 0.05). Gender and lamps pass the chi-square test (p < 0.001).
Among the personal characteristics, gender plays a significant influence on the choice
of floor and decoration style preference of the elderly. In Figure 6a, it can be seen that
women have a significantly greater preference for lower floors (1–3 floors) than men, while
men have a significantly greater preference for higher floors (10–20 floors) than women.
Light and view are the concerns of men in choosing floors, while ease of movement and
sense of security are the concerns of women. As it can be seen in Figure 6b, there are
significantly more women than men who prefer the new Chinese style, while there are
significantly more men than women who prefer the modern minimalist style. This may
be due to the fact that men prefer rational thinking and want open and clean space, while
women will be more emotional and prefer a warm and rhythmic decoration style.
According to Figure 6c–g, the specific differences in sound, light, heat and air prefer-
ences of the elderly by gender can be explained. Men pay more attention to the quality of
light environment than women, and women pay more attention to the quality of sound
environment than men; while for noise, women hate outdoor road traffic noise more, and
men hate outdoor construction noise more; for the ways of heating, men prefer floor heating
and women prefer the radiator; for air purification methods, women prefer greenery more
and men are more interested in air purifiers and air fresheners; regarding lamps, women
prefer chandeliers and table lamps, while men favor standing lamps.
(2) Relevance of Gender with Bedroom Decorations and Materials
The cross-tabulations of seven different dependent variables of gender and bedroom
decorative arrangements and material materials are analyzed. The results show that gender
is statistically associated with bedding pattern and door material (p < 0.05). Gender plays
a significant influence on the choice of five dependent variables, including closet and
greenery (p < 0.001).
Figure 7a–c shows the differences in the effects of gender on bedroom decorative
arrangements in the elderly group. In terms of closets, men prefer the space-saving built-
in closes, while women prefer the independent closets that can be moved; the choice of
greenery, men prefer plants with ornamental flowers and fruits, women prefer more plants
with ornamental foliage; on bedding patterns, men prefer floral patterns and women favor
plaid stripes.
Figure 7d–g shows specific differences in the influence of gender on materials used in
older adults’ bedrooms. For door materials, males prefer metal doors and females prefer
solid wood doors, which are mainly influenced by biological instincts and primitive social
division of labor. As for the flooring material, women prefer wooden flooring and men
prefer marbles as well as carpets. Regarding wall materials, women prefer wallpaper and
men more prefer wall coverings and tiles. For sofa materials, women prefer fabric sofas
and men prefer wooden sofas. Due to the different physiological structure, women are
more sensitive to the feeling of cold than men, so women tend to choose warm fabric sofas.
(3) Relevance of Age, Occupation and Bedroom Living Environment Design
Age is cross tabulated with four different dependent variables. The results show that age is
significantly correlated with the four dependent variables, including window view (p < 0.05).
The differences in decoration styles and bedding patterns among the elderly of differ-
ent ages are shown in Figure 8a,b. In terms of decoration style, seniors aged 65–69 years
prefer the new Chinese style and those aged 75–79 years prefer the modern minimalist
style. The preference for Japanese style and European style decreases with age, which

may be influenced by the recognition and acceptance of foreign cultural styles; for bed-
ding pattern, the elderly aged 60–69 prefer plaid stripes, those aged 70–74 prefer floral
more andthose
patterns, men aged 75–79
are more prefer simple
interested in airsolid colors,
purifiers andand
airthose aged 80regarding
fresheners; and abovelamps,
prefer
cartoon characters.
women prefer chandeliers and table lamps, while men favor standing lamps.
Gender-relateddifferences
Figure 6.6. Gender-related
Figure differencesinin basic
basic conditions
conditions of of bedrooms,
bedrooms, sound,
sound, lightlight
andand
hot hot air:
air: (a)
(a) Cross
Cross analysis
analysis stack
stack barbar of gender
of gender andand floor;
floor; (b)(b) Cross
Cross analysisstack
analysis stackbar
barofofgender
genderand anddecoration
decoration
style;
style;(c)
(c) Cross
Cross analysis
analysisstack
stackbar
barof
of gender
genderandand factors
factorsinfluencing
influencingindoor
indoorenvironmental
environmentalcomfort;
comfort;
(d)
(d) Cross analysis stack bar of gender and noise; (e) Cross analysis stack bar of gender and heating
Cross analysis stack bar of gender and noise; (e) Cross analysis stack bar of gender and heating
method;
method;(f) (f)Cross
Cross analysis
analysisstack
stackbar
barofofgender
genderand andair
airpurification
purificationmethod;
method;(g) (g)Cross
Crossanalysis
analysisstack
stack
bar
barofof gender
gender and
and lamps
lamps picture.
picture.
(2) Relevance of Gender with Bedroom Decorations and Materials

The cross-tabulations of seven different dependent variables of gender and bedroom
decorative arrangements and material materials are analyzed. The results show that gen-
der is statistically associated with bedding pattern and door material (p < 0.05). Gender
plays a significant influence on the choice of five dependent variables, including closet
and greenery (p < 0.001).
fer solid wood doors, which are mainly influenced by biological instincts and primitive
social division of labor. As for the flooring material, women prefer wooden flooring and
men prefer marbles as well as carpets. Regarding wall materials, women prefer wallpaper
and men more prefer wall coverings and tiles. For sofa materials, women prefer fabric
Sustainability 2022, 14, 13552
sofas and men prefer wooden sofas. Due to the different physiological structure, women
12 of 23
are more sensitive to the feeling of cold than men, so women tend to choose warm fabric
sofas.
Figure 7. Gender-related differences in bedroom decorations and materials: (a) Stack bar of cross
analysis of gender and wardrobe; (b) Stack bar of cross analysis of gender and green plant selection;
(c) Cross analysis stack bar of gender and bedding pattern; (d) Cross analysis stack bar of gender and
door material; (e) Cross analysis stack bar of gender and floor material; (f) Cross analysis stack bar of
gender and wall material; (g) Stack bar of cross analysis of gender and sofa material.
dow view and wardrobe preferences by age group are shown in Figure 8c,d. The 60–69
years old prefer garden greenery, the 70–74 years old prefer neighborhood panoramic
views, the 75–79 years old prefer diverse water features, leisure pavilions and fitness ac-
tivity centers, and the 80+ years old love children’s activity centers. Probably due to age-
Sustainability 2022, 14, 13552 ing, the elderly will increasingly prefer moving scenery and will also pay more attention13 of 23
to leisure and fitness. As for the closet, the elderly aged 65–69 prefer built-in closets, while
those aged 75–79 want multi-functional closets.
Figure 8. Age-related differences in indoor environment design: (a) Radar chart of cross analysis of
Figure 8. Age-related differences in indoor environment design: (a) Radar chart of cross analysis of
age and bedding pattern; (b) Radar chart of cross analysis of age and decoration style; (c) Radar chart
age and bedding pattern; (b) Radar chart of cross analysis of age and decoration style; (c) Radar
of cross analysis of age and window view; (d) Radar chart of cross analysis of age and wardrobe.
The interaction between age and window view and closet was analyzed. Age and
window view and wardrobe passed the chi-square test. The specific differences in window
view and wardrobe preferences by age group are shown in Figure 8c,d. The 60–69 years
old prefer garden greenery, the 70–74 years old prefer neighborhood panoramic views, the
75–79 years old prefer diverse water features, leisure pavilions and fitness activity centers,
and the 80+ years old love children’s activity centers. Probably due to ageing, the elderly
will increasingly prefer moving scenery and will also pay more attention to leisure and
fitness. As for the closet, the elderly aged 65–69 prefer built-in closets, while those aged
75–79 want multi-functional closets.
A cross-tabulation of occupation with four different dependent variables is analyzed.
The results show that occupation had a significant effect on roof lamps, decorating styles,
bedding patterns, and types of greenery at p < 0.001. As shown in Figure 9, the elderly
working in the commercial/service industry prefer luxurious and rich European deco-
rative style, European chandeliers, flower-viewing plants and stem-viewing plants, and
simple solid-color bedding patterns; the elderly working in professional and technical
jobs prefer geometric Japanese decorative style and practical and environmentally friendly
ceiling lights; the elderly who work in agriculture prefer ordinary chandeliers, plants with
ornamental fruit, plants with ornamental flower and floral bedding patterns; while the
military have a strong sense of identity and belonging to Chinese culture, prefer new
Chinese decoration style and Chinese chandeliers, and prefer leaf-viewing plants and
stem-viewing plants.
simple solid-color bedding patterns; the elderly working in professional and technical jobs
prefer geometric Japanese decorative style and practical and environmentally friendly
ceiling lights; the elderly who work in agriculture prefer ordinary chandeliers, plants with
ornamental fruit, plants with ornamental flower and floral bedding patterns; while the
military have a strong sense of identity and belonging to Chinese culture, prefer new Chi-
nese decoration style and Chinese chandeliers, and prefer leaf-viewing plants and stem-
viewing plants.
Figure 9. Occupation-related differences in indoor environment design: (a) Cross analysis radar chart
of occupation
Figure and ceiling light type;
9. Occupation-related (b) Cross
differences analysisenvironment
in indoor radar chart ofdesign:
occupation and decoration
(a) Cross style;
analysis radar
chart
(c) of occupation
Cross and chart
analysis radar ceilingoflight type; (b)and
occupation Cross analysis
bedding radar(d)
pattern; chart of occupation
Cross and chart
analysis radar decora-
of
tion style; (c)
occupation Cross
and analysis
green radar chart of occupation and bedding pattern; (d) Cross analysis radar
plant type.
chart of occupation and green plant type.
(4) Correlations between Academic Qualifications and Bedroom Living Environment Design
(4) Correlations Between Academic Qualifications and Bedroom Living Environment
The cross-tabulations of education with the three different dependent variables are
Design
analyzed. The results show that at p < 0.001, education is significantly correlated with the
threeThe cross-tabulations
dependent variables,of education
including thewith
typestheofthree different
luminaire. As dependent variables
shown in Figure are
10, the
analyzed. The results show that at p < 0.001, education is significantly correlated
elderly with higher education would be more likely to prefer premium atmospheric lamps with the
three dependent variables, including the types of luminaire. As shown in Figure
and higher acceptance of maps, photos, and cartoon patterns. Specifically, the elderly with 10, the
elderlyhigh
junior withschool
higher or
education wouldtable
below prefer be more likely
lamps, to prefer
Chinese premium
paintings atmospheric
and lamps
floral-patterned
and higher
bedding; acceptance
seniors of maps,
with college photos,
prefer and cartoon
chandeliers and patterns. Specifically,
simple solid-color the elderly
patterned with
bedding;
the elderly with bachelor’s degree prefer decorative lamps, oil paintings and plaid stripe
pattern bedding; the elderly with master’s degree and above prefer standing lamps, maps
and photos and bedding with cartoon patterns.
junior high school or below prefer table lamps, Chinese paintings and floral-patterned
bedding; seniors with college prefer chandeliers and simple solid-color patterned bed-
ding; the elderly with bachelor’s degree prefer decorative lamps, oil paintings and plaid
stripe pattern bedding; the elderly with master’s degree and above prefer standing lamps,
maps and photos and bedding with cartoon patterns.
Figure 10. Education-related differences in indoor environment design: (a) Radar chart of cross
analysis
Figure 10. ofEducation-related
education and lamps; (b) Radar
differences chart of
in indoor cross analysis
environment of education
design: (a) Radarand wall-mounted
chart of cross anal-
type;
ysis of(c)education
Radar chart
andoflamps;
cross analysis
(b) Radarofchart
education and
of cross bedding
analysis of patterns.
education and wall-mounted type;
(c) Radar chart of cross analysis of education and bedding patterns.
(5) Correlations between Physical Condition and Bedroom Living Environment Design
(5) Cross-tabulations
Correlations between Physical status
of physical Condition
withand Bedroom
seven differentLiving Environment
dependent Design
variables are
Cross-tabulations
analyzed for interaction. of physical
The resultsstatus
show with seven
that bodydifferent
condition dependent variables
is statistically are an-
associated
alyzed
with for interaction.
three The results
dependent variables show
such as that body and
lightness condition
darknessis statistically
at p < 0.05.associated
In addition,with
at
pthree dependent
< 0.001, variablesissuch
body condition as lightness
significantly and darkness
associated at pdependent
with four < 0.05. In addition,
variablesatsuchp<
as heating
0.001, bodymethod.
conditionIt can be found through
is significantly Figure
associated 11 four
with that the elderly with
dependent goodsuch
variables healthas
pay more
heating attention
method. to the
It can qualitythrough
be found of acoustic
Figureenvironment and prefer
11 that the elderly withfloor
goodheating
health and
pay
decorative
more attention lights;
to the elderly with
quality of normal
acoustic health pay more
environment attention
and prefer floortoheating
the quality of air
and deco-
environment
rative lights; theandelderly
prefer chandeliers;
with normalthe elderly
health paywith
moreillattention
health may payquality
to the more attention to
of air envi-
the quality of light environment and prefer desk lamps, heaters and darkness
ronment and prefer chandeliers; the elderly with ill health may pay more attention to the of rooms due
to their susceptibility
quality to light stimulation.
of light environment and prefer desk lamps, heaters and darkness of rooms due
to their susceptibility to light with
In addition, the elderly relatively ill health condition prefers harder material
stimulation.
sofa. In
Ataddition,
the same time, health with
the elderly statusrelatively
will haveill anhealth
impactcondition
on the subjective
prefers feelings of older
harder material
people,
sofa. At and thosetime,
the same with health
ill health status
status willare
havemore likely toonhave
an impact negative emotions
the subjective feelings of[45], so
older
they will prefer lively bedding patterns. In contrast, the elderly in good
people, and those with ill health status are more likely to have negative emotions [45], so health prefers
simple
they willsolid-colored
prefer livelybedding,
beddingwallpaper,
patterns. In and fabric sofas;
contrast, the elderly
the elderly in goodin normal health
health prefers
prefer simple solid color bed pattern, wall cloth and seaweed mud
simple solid-colored bedding, wallpaper, and fabric sofas; the elderly in normal health and leather sofa; the
elderly in ill health prefer more lively flower patterns, seaweed mud,
prefer simple solid color bed pattern, wall cloth and seaweed mud and leather sofa; the latex paint and
rattan sofas.

elderly in ill health prefer more lively flower patterns, seaweed mud, latex paint and rat-
tan sofas.
Figure 11. Differences according to physical condition in indoor environment design: (a) Cross
analysis radar chart of physical condition and influencing factors of indoor comfort; (b) Radar chart
of cross analysis of physical condition and heating method; (c) Radar chart of physical condition and
lamps cross analysis; (d) Cross analysis radar chart of physical condition and lightness preference;
(e) Radar chart of cross analysis of physical condition and sofa material preference; (f) Radar chart
of cross analysis of body condition and wall material; (g) Radar chart of cross analysis of physical
condition and bedding pattern.
4. Discussion
4.1. Aging Needs and Well-Being of the Elderly
By improving the overall physical environment of elderly-friendly residential build-
ings, the improvement of interior environment design in bedroom for the elderly is not
less, while weakening care from family and lack of spiritual care from children may in-
only an important part to meet the current living needs of the elderly group, but also an
crease their insecurity. There has been research suggesting that color therapy is a widely
important step to create an elderly-friendly living environment [8,10]. Although there have
accepted treatment for depressive symptoms in older adults. For example, healthy older
been a number of conceptual consensus and positive examples based on health-assisted
adults respond positively to a cool blue monochromatic color scheme, while depressed
design for urban elderly indoor environments, current research on age-appropriate housing
older adults respond actively to a contrasting blue-yellow/red cool color scheme [33]. The
has mainly explored the building performance and overall indoor environmental quality of
elderly prefer warm colors and bright lights, behind the mapping is their enhancing need
elderly housing from physical environment measurements [46–48], with limited realistic
of feeling safe.
explanatory power.
(3) Based
Social on
Needthe preference for bedroom living environment of urban elderly population
in China,
For the elderly,explores
this study what kinds
social pleasure playsofan preferences
importantthe roleelderly
in theirpeople
later have, and the
life. Once
correlation between their design preferences of the bedroom living environment
elderly leave the workplace and return to the family, the social activities they can take andpart
de-
mographic characteristics,
in are becoming so asThe
less and less. to enrich the brought
pressure relevant research
by the greaton the indoorinenvironment
changes family and
design of elderly-friendly
interpersonal relationship residential
will make buildings. From the perspective
them feel depressed, dissatisfied, of even
basic desperate,
functions,
this
suchstudy expands
feelings the focus
of imbalance of designing
their well-beingand [50].planning for elderly-friendly housing and
facilities [7,9]. It also responds to the positive relationship existed between the improve-
(4) Esteem Need
ment of economic development and the satisfaction of spiritual needs of the elderly [16].
Everyoneitdesires
Furthermore, to be respected
comprehensively andelder
analyzes accepted by others,
people’s specificand so do needs
spiritual the elderly. It is
according
thisthe
to need thatenvironment
indoor reflects their pursuit
design ofoftheir
a better life, higher
bedrooms. Fromhuman dignity andofself-worth.
the perspective preference
(5) Selfthis
factors, Realization
study takes the house furnishings, lighting for decoration and various materials
and textures in a hope
The elderly singlethat
bedroom space
they still haveinto
theinvestigation. On to
ability to adapt thesociety
one hand,
and it enriches
that the
this posi-
composition of the physical environment elements of the elders’ residence
tive energy will play a regulating role in their later life. Compared with the planned econ- [11–13], on the
other hand, it supplements
omy system, the socialist the hardware
market requirements
economy which need paying
system emphasizes attention toand
self-actualization the
interior design of the bedroom environment of an elderly-friendly residence.
shows the tendency of realism. Under the influence of this, more and more elderly people
On these to
pay attention bases,
theirthis study feelings
personal further analyzes the demands
and spiritual needs, andforthe
old-age
level provision,
of needs iswhich
obvi-
is ought to be satisfied by the design of the bedroom living environment based
ously raised. The preference of the elderly for porcelain, Chinese painting and oil painting on Maslow’s
hierarchy
also showsoftheneeds.
loftyThe results
spiritual are summarized
realm of the elderlyasinshown
urbanin Figure 12.
China.
Figure 12. Elderly care service needs of elderly groups.

Figure 12. Elderly care service needs of elderly groups.
4.2. Suggestions
(1) Physical Need
Based on the results of the statistical analysis of this study, the following suggestions
Physical health is the most basic old-age care need of the elderly. This study found that
are made:
elderly people attach much importance to long light duration, large area and comfortable
(1) environmentally
and Suggestions for interior
friendlydecorators
materials. Fu et al. found that the most comfortable lighting
Under the premise that material living conditions have improved significantly, Chi-
nese elderly people have changed from focusing more on society and others to focusing
range for elderly people to read during daytime was 600–800 lx, and 700 lx was optimal [49].
Meanwhile, a study showed that both higher temperature and CO2 concentration were
negatively correlated with better sleep quality in the elderly [19]. Therefore, in the design of
the living environment, some key factors such as temperature, noise, air quality, and light
deserve consideration, which are all directly related with elderly people’s physical health.
(2) Safety Need
The elderly population needs a sense of security on a psychological level. As they
age, all physical functions of the elderly gradually decline, with degeneration in the sense
of touch, taste, smell and vision. Declining autonomy may cause older adults to feel
helpless, while weakening care from family and lack of spiritual care from children may
increase their insecurity. There has been research suggesting that color therapy is a widely
accepted treatment for depressive symptoms in older adults. For example, healthy older
adults respond positively to a cool blue monochromatic color scheme, while depressed
older adults respond actively to a contrasting blue-yellow/red cool color scheme [33]. The
elderly prefer warm colors and bright lights, behind the mapping is their enhancing need
of feeling safe.
(3) Social Need
For the elderly, social pleasure plays an important role in their later life. Once the
elderly leave the workplace and return to the family, the social activities they can take part
in are becoming less and less. The pressure brought by the great changes in family and
interpersonal relationship will make them feel depressed, dissatisfied, even desperate, such
feelings of imbalance their well-being [50].
(4) Esteem Need
Everyone desires to be respected and accepted by others, and so do the elderly. It is
this need that reflects their pursuit of a better life, higher human dignity and self-worth.
(5) Self Realization
The elderly hope that they still have the ability to adapt to society and that this positive
energy will play a regulating role in their later life. Compared with the planned economy
system, the socialist market economy system emphasizes self-actualization and shows
the tendency of realism. Under the influence of this, more and more elderly people pay
attention to their personal feelings and spiritual needs, and the level of needs is obviously
raised. The preference of the elderly for porcelain, Chinese painting and oil painting also
shows the lofty spiritual realm of the elderly in urban China.
4.2. Suggestions
Based on the results of the statistical analysis of this study, the following suggestions
are made:
(1) Suggestions for interior decorators
Under the premise that material living conditions have improved significantly, Chinese
elderly people have changed from focusing more on society and others to focusing more
on their own health and destiny. For interior decorators, the design of living environments
for the elderly needs to consider the physical conditions and health needs of the elderly as
much as possible. Specific recommendations are as follows.
(1) On the bedroom furniture, the sofa is best to be hard to reduce the lumbar
burden of the elderly.
(2) In terms of style, try to choose a simple and generous decoration style, sim-
ple and practical furniture, and ceramic utensils that represent “stability and
elegance”.
(3) For material selection, flooring materials should be non-slip and mild foot-
ing wood flooring materials, and bedding materials should be skin-friendly
cotton materials.
(4) About light, studies conducted in Western countries have shown that proper
natural light exposure contributes to good quality sleep in the elderly and helps
maintain their health [51,52]. This study further found that for the elderly with
different physical conditions, different light intensities should be provided.
In order to ensure that the elderly enjoy sufficient light, the floor-to-ceiling
windows are a better choice. chandeliers or decorative lights in lamps and
lanterns will help to expand the area of natural and artificial light. However, if
the elderly are not in good physical condition, they should not be stimulated by
light, and it is necessary to arrange a dark room and put a lamp on the beside
table to help the elderly turn on the light more conveniently.
(2) Suggestions for elderly care service workers
For elderly care service workers, apart from paying attention to the physical health of
the elderly, more attention should be thrown into the mental health and spiritual satisfaction.
Interior decoration should try to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere to reduce their
senses of helplessness and insecurity.
(1) Colors in bedroom should be low-saturated, bright and warm, so that the
elderly can feel soft and warm.
(2) Based on a study by Scheidt et al. [53], homelike decoration can help residents to
reduce nostalgia and improve their sense of belonging to their home. Therefore,
if the elderly are rather emotional and nostalgic, meaningful photos can be
hung, which can be displayed to create a living environment full of affection
and reduce their loneliness.
As the basic space for the elderly to live in their old age, the needs of theirs in the
indoor living environment should be met both physically and psychologically to the
maximum extent. From the perspective of demand satisfaction, the bedroom needs to be
convenient for the independent activities of the elderly and can make them feel supported
and dependent emotionally and psychologically. At the same time, the design of the indoor
environment should be adjusted accordingly in the face of elderly people with different
genders, ages, occupations, academic qualifications and physical conditions.
5. Conclusions
The main conclusions of this study are summarized as follows:
(1) The overall preference for the bedroom environment and its reasons: (1) The urban
elderly in China prefers lower floors (1–3 floors), south-facing rooms, room sizes of
about 15–24 square meters and a simple and calm decoration style. Among them,
the preference of women for lower floors (1–3 floors) is significantly greater than that
of men, while the preference of men for higher floors (10–20 floors) is significantly
greater than that of women. (2) About bedroom materials, the elderly prefers wood
flooring, fabric sofas, cotton bedding and cotton and linen curtains. (3) The key words
for the elderly bedroom color and lighting preferences are low saturation, bright,
warm tones, and warm white light. This finding is supported by a Korean study,
which found that the elderly would prefer a warm, comfortable and bright bedroom
environment [54]. (4) The elderly prefers lamps with wide lighting range and simple
environmental protection. Meanwhile, a study confirmed that in terms of furniture
colors, Chinese seniors prefer “light”, “pure”, “natural”, “classical”, “organized” and
“delightful” colors [55]. Therefore, indoor furnishings such as Chinese paintings, oil
paintings, pointer clocks, ceramic vessels and foliage plants will be more popular
among Chinese seniors. (5) Color has a significant effect on the preference for flooring
materials and decorating styles of the elderly. (6) Personal attributes such as gender,
physical condition and education present the most significant potential effects with
indoor living environment factors.
(2) Elderly physical environment preferences: Gender presents the most significant
potential effect on elderly physical environment preferences. The specific differences
between male and female groups regarding physical environment preferences are
as follows.
(1) Regarding the choice of the most important influencing factor for indoor en-
vironmental comfort, men value the quality of light environment more than
women, and the percentage of men choosing the quality of light environment
is 36.4%, which is significantly higher than the percentage of women choosing
the quality of light environment (19.3%). However, women pay more atten-
tion to the quality of acoustic environment than men, and the percentage of
women choosing the quality of acoustic environment is 28.4%, which is sig-
nificantly higher than the percentage of men choosing the quality of acoustic
environment (11.4%).
(2) In terms of noise, women hate outdoor road traffic noise more, the percentage
of women who hate outdoor road traffic noise is 58.6%, which is significantly
higher than the percentage of men who hate outdoor road traffic noise (31%).
Men dislike outdoor construction noise more, the percentage of men who
dislike outdoor construction noise is 35.2%, which is significantly higher than
the percentage of women who dislike outdoor construction noise (10.7%).
(3) Elderly indoor environment index system: Previous studies on the indoor environ-
ment of the elderly mainly focused on a single aspect of physical measurements such
as the physical environment of the bedroom, color, and materials, etc. Through the ex-
isting literature combing, combined with semi-structured interviews with the elderly,
this study established a bedroom living environment preference index system for the
elderly around the most concerned indoor environment issues. The index system is
divided into five major parts: basic bedroom conditions, bedroom materials, bedroom
colors, bedroom physical environment and other soft furnishings. Specifically, the
basic bedroom situation includes five sub-indicators such as bedroom orientation
and floor, bedroom materials include five sub-indicators such as floor materials and
wall materials, bedroom colors include four sub-indicators such as saturation, warm
and cold colors, and bedroom physical environment includes four sub-indicators
such as sound environment and light environment. The indicator system is more
comprehensive, and the questionnaire design is closer to reality, which enriches the
research framework of indoor environment design for the elderly.
With the increasing global aging, the design of interior environment for the elderly is
an urgent problem to be solved. Reasonable design of the living environment of the elderly
can better facilitate the lives of the elderly, improve their self-care ability and psychological
states. By studying the indoor environment preference of the elderly and its causes, the
psychological and physiological needs of the elderly can be better understood. It is helpful
to continue to improve the design methods of bedroom environment, which is a humane
and friendly space, as well as physically and mentally healthy. Thus the quality of life and
well-being of the elderly can be improved.
Due to the limited researching time and researching funding, the size of samples in
this study needs to be enriched and supplemented, especially the sample of age 70+ needs
to be further collected and expanded in the follow-up research work. Future research
areas could be extended to regions which are not covered by this study, especially can
be specific in the residential environment preferences of the elderly in different districts,
ethnicities, and beliefs, to reveal richer research findings. In addition, this study mainly
uses a subjective evaluation method. Future research may combine quantitative methods of
measuring physical environment to do more studies, including analyzing the performance
of residential buildings and the overall indoor environmental quality for elderly people. A
deeper supplement and explanation to some details in this paper can be made in the future.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, J.X. and M.L.; methodology, Q.C.; software, C.L. and
Q.C.; validation, J.X., formal analysis, Q.C.; investigation, M.L.; resources, J.X.; data curation, M.L.;
writing—original draft preparation, C.L., Q.C. and J.X.; writing—review and editing, X.W.; visualiza-
tion, Q.C.; supervision, J.X., T.W. and M.L.; project administration, M.L.; funding acquisition, J.X. and
Z.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South
China University of Technology (No. 2019ZA02); Ministry of Education humanities social sci-
ences research project (20YJC760101); Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China
(LQ20E080021); Guangzhou Philosophy & Social Science Planning Project(2022GZGJ131); Research on
major basic theory of Social Science Planning in Guangdong Province (GD21ZDZGL01); Guangzhou
philosophy and social science development “14th five-year plan” project (2022GZYB33); Research on
visual landscape evaluation method of traditional villages in Guangdong based on deep learning”
funded by China Youth Fund of National Natural Science Foundation Projects (52208057).
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Data are not publicly available due to restrictions regarding the privacy
of the participants.
Conflicts of Interest: The author(s) declared no potential conflict of interest with respect to the
research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
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sustainability

Academic Editor: José Carmelo

Sustainability 2022, 14, 13552. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013552 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

According to the positivist methodology of sociology, many social phenomena are

2.2. Research Objects

Figure 1. Research methodology.

3.2.2. Preference for Bedroom Materials

3.2.3. Preference for Bedroom Color and Lighting

3.2.4. Preference for Bedroom Interior Decoration and Furnishings

3.3. Correlation and Impact Analysis of Indoor Environmental Preferences of Chinese

3.3.1. Preference for Bedroom Basics

3.3.2. Correlations between Demographic Characteristics and Bedroom

3.3.2. Correlations between Demographic Characteristics and Bedroom

Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 23

(2) Relevance of Gender with Bedroom Decorations and Materials

Sustainability 2022, 14, 13552 16 of 23

Figure 12. Elderly care service needs of elderly groups.

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