TRENDS AND ISSUES

Hobbies for Seniors & Elderly People

Retirement can be a big shift for many older adults. For most people, it is a positive shift. You will find the opportunity
to do things you never had time for before.
These are the hobbies that elderlies could enjoy and spend time with inside the facility:
Reading
It can also enhance seniors’ cognitive abilities. It may even help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other
forms of dementia. And having these improvements in cognition can in turn preserve one’s lifespan. Let’s explore
some of the cognitive benefits of reading:
-Improves memory
-Improves decision-making skills
-Delays onset of memory-related diseases
-Reduces stress
-Better sleep
Bird Watching
It is simple, inexpensive, and encourages us to get outdoors. Not only that, but this hobby can also stimulate
memory, alertness, and attention to detail. Getting to know the rhythm and pattern of local birds coming and going
can be stress-relieving for seniors.
Bird feeders
Birdhouses
Water baths
Binoculars
Bird guide
Gardening
Besides attracting wonderful birds to your yard, gardening has an endless number of other benefits. It provides a
hefty amount of physical activity, allowing you to burn calories and strengthen muscles. The sun’s rays will provide
you essential vitamin D, and you will feel the stress melt away as you enjoy the relaxing effects of connecting with
nature.
Native species are always a good bet, but here are a few ideas of easy things you can plant:

Fruits and vegetables:

Bell peppers
Blackberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Cabbage
Squash
Zucchini
Tomatoes
Garlic
Cucumbers
Herbs:
Mint
Chives
Rosemary
Lavender
Basil
Thyme
Parsley
Flowers:
Sunflowers
Nigella
Sweet peas
Marigolds
Nasturtiums
Fuschias
Pansy

Volunteering
Volunteering can enhance the overall well-being of seniors. It provides a sense of purpose and meaning, which can
often be diminished after retirement. It can also contribute to improved self-esteem, knowing you are making a
positive difference in the world. Seniors tend to withdraw and isolate as they age, often causing them to suffer from
depression. However, the new friends that can be made and the sense of community that comes with volunteering is
a lifeline for senior’s mental health. Here are some ideas of areas and places where seniors can volunteer:
Humane societies or animal shelters
Legal advocate i.e. International Seniors Lawyers Project
Political campaigns
Tour guide
Disaster relief i.e. Red Cross
Hunger relief i.e. Meals on Wheels
Working with children i.e. Big Brothers Big Sisters
Helping veterans i.e. USO
Habitat for Humanity

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Not only will it keep the brain active and stimulated, but it will also help with memory retention, hand-eye
coordination, and sharpen dexterity. Depending on what level of difficulty you want, here are a variety of instruments
you can learn:

Easiest:
Ukulele
Harmonica
Piano
More difficult:
Guitar
Recorder/Tin Whistle
Bongos/Drums

Playing Games
Seniors can benefit greatly from playing a variety of games. Games can improve memory and other brain functions.
Stimulating the brain through play can even help deter the progression of dementia. Not only does playing games
provide cognitive benefits, but it also encourages social activity. Playing games with grandkids or a group of friends
can prevent isolation and loneliness, a common problem in seniors. Get together, laugh, and try some of these
games with your loved ones:
Puzzle,Tile,andBoard Games:
• Chess
• Monopoly
• Backgammon
• Trivial Pursuit
• Checkers
• Dominos
• Mahjong
• Jenga
• Cranium
• Scrabble
• Jigsaw puzzles
Card games:
• Rummy
• Cribbage
• Canasta
• Pinochle
• UNO
• Bridge
• Spades
• Crazy Eights
• Old Main
Video/Computer/Phone Games:
• Bejeweled
• Candy Crush Saga
• World of Warcraft
• Words with Friends 2
• Puyo Puyo Tetris
Word and Number Games:
• Crossword puzzles
• Sudoku
• Boggle
• Scattergories
• Balderdash
• Word Search

Walking
Living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the quickest ways to experience a cognitive and physical decline. Walking, as
well as any other physical activity, should be implemented into our lives for the following benefits:
• Improves heart health
• Fresh air exposure
• Lowers blood sugar
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces pain by strengthening muscles
• Low participation cost
• Promotes social interaction
And lastly, this low-impact activity can help improve your general sense of well-being by reducing anxiety and
boosting your mood. As you walk, you will find yourself feeling more positive and optimistic about life. Grab a friend
and explore the neighborhood, stopping to enjoy nature sights, as well as connecting with your neighbors.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are powerful mediums of self-expression. Get in touch with your inner artist, whether you consider
yourself talented or not. The experience of getting lost in creating will help you release stress while improving
cognition and motor skills. Plus, whatever you create can be shared as a gift to the world. The ability to inspire others
and make them smile through your art creation will spur on further projects. This will make it more and more
worthwhile as your ability improves. Here are some fun arts and crafts activities that seniors love.

Facing Homeless Elders

The numbers of elderly who are homeless are increasing. Providers generally agree that a small percentage of
people who are homeless are over the age of 60. Providers who work with homeless people suggest that the hard
living conditions of chronic homelessness cause the aging process to speed up and that people living in chronic
homelessness are less likely to survive into old age.
Challenges
Multiple Health Problems that are Difficult to Diagnose
• Chronic Alcohol Abuse
• Major Psychiatric Illness
• Chronic Pulmonary Disease
• Peripheral Vascular Illness
• Hypertension
• Urinary Incontinence
• Tuberculosis
Though many of these problems are treatable, diagnosis and treatment for older people who are homeless may be
difficult because:
• They are too afraid of what will happen to them to seek help,
• They don't have the resources to pay for care or treatment, or
• They don't trust health care or social services professionals.
Victimization on the Streets
People who do survive on the streets into their old age are at risk of becoming easy prey for criminals because of
their health and mobility limitations. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, there is a greater likelihood
that senior citizens living on the street will be robbed or assaulted.
Alternatives for the Elderly Who Are Homeless
Aging in place, in-home care and independent living take on a harsh mantle in the context of life on the streets. In
most urban and in some rural communities a Continuum of Care exists for people who are homeless. A typical
Continuum of Care for Homeless Services includes:
• Prevention,
• Outreach, Intake & Assessment,
• Emergency Shelter,
• Transitional Housing,
• Permanent and Supportive Housing, and
• Support Services.
DESIGN NARRATIVE (PHILOSOPHY AND CONCEPT)
Project “UTOPYALPAS” is proposed where elders can experience a comfortable living and for them to have an
active lifestyle. This facility will also provide rehabilitation and wellness for those that have limitations due to their
health condition. Project “UTOPYALPAS” believes that incorporating NATURE on the design will answer design
problems existing nowadays. As what famous Frank Lloyd Wright said “Nature and natural processes are the guiding
principles or the main metaphors of the design approach”. Thus, proving that nature already have answers to our
problems we just have to observe more on their ways of living and adapt their mechanism.
 The project combines biophilic and biomimicry in design and it will make the facility more sustainable and will serve
its purpose: to be a home for wellness and rehabilitation. Raw Architecture makes use of the natural environment and
resources and its maximum capability to provide a sustainable design of the facility. In this concept we decided to
use natural materials, with a strong emphasis on stone and wood to help maintain the minimalist aura of the facilities
we will be provided. Additionally, it is thought that a setting that is more in tune with nature can inhibit recovery, social
interaction, and user’s wellness. Considering the data that have been gathered using the different research tactics,
the concept that will be employed is the incorporation of raw architecture and biomimicry in the facility’s design.

SITE’S DATA AND ANALYSIS

Location: BRGY. TAMAYO CALACA, BATANGAS
Size: 72,612.27 sqm

A. MAJOR CRITERIA (MACRO)

Pick a location wherein it is more likely to be an escape from fast-paced, stressful existence of full-time employment
places. At the same time has a full capability to cater a retirement and recreational resort that we will be stablishing
like the accessibility, Utilities, Privacy and Security, and the land features such as vegetation and the topography.
Location: The data below are prior for these both selected sites that are from CALABARZON region. Based on
Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) Southern Tagalog (Region IV) had the largest number of populations comprises
of 14.2 percent of the total. Prior to that data, based on 2019 study of Pilipinas.Org (Source by Philippine Statistic
Authority) Region IV-A has the greatest number of senior citizens with 1,007,100 million (13.3%). Region IV-A is
CALABARZON and is composed of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon provinces.
Climate: The Climate in Calaca, Batangas falls under the type 1 – Corona Classification with two pronounced
seasons: Wet (May to October) and Dry (November to April). The Average in Calaca Batangas is about 21.6 °C,
Maximum temperature is 34.8 °C and the Mean temperature is 27.5 °
Location, Culture and Its Environment: CALABARZON is not very far from the sprawl of Metro Manila, it provides a
variety of tourist spots, from heritage towns to luxurious beach resorts. Laguna hosts a number of hot spring resorts
as well as mountains and heritages towns. Batangas houses numbers of beach resorts, heritage towns, and the
world's smallest volcano, Taal Volcano. Batangas is the Cradle of Tagalog culture, and home to resorts, Spanish-era
town. Most provinces, especially Batangas and Quezon promote ecotourism, so, nature resorts are continuing to
grow.
B. MINOR CRITERIA (MICRO)
Topography: Calaca is a coastal town, being bounded by Balayan Bay on the South. It is plain near the shore, gently
rolling in the middle and going steep on the northern-most part adjacent to Gulod ng Batulao. Halfway of Calaca was
in part of hilly land part in batangas and having a view in majestic taal volcano.
Water Supply (Utilities):
Major Sources: Shallow Well, Spring and Free flowing:
The Batangas Water Supply System was constructed in 1926 jointly by the Government of the Philippines and United
States of America. It was first supervised and managed by the Bureau of Public Works while the local operation and
management were undertaken by the Batangas Municipal Government in 1957, the system was named over to
NAWASA and 14 years later the city government decided to manage its own system. The Batangas City Water
District supply water to its beneficiaries by pumping from ground water deep wells through the following distribution

system.
Major Rivers and Lakes:
Dacanlao River
Bagong Tubig River
Cawong River
Bolbok River
Power Supply (Utilities): Existing Electric Cooperative is the Batangas 1 Electric Cooperative or also known as
BATELEC 1.
Transportation (Accessibility):
Types of transportation available – Jeepney, Van and Tricycle (In Scope of Batangas)
To Get in to CALABARZON. The region is well connected to other regions by road and sea. There is no major airport
in CALABARZON, and the main entry points are by land or sea

C. SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths

 Topography: About half of the Batangas’ terrain is generally rolling, while the rest is mountainous and hilly.
Pros of having a hilly land is that panoramic views from the mountains of the ever-stretching vistas and
landscapes can help charge you with positive energy and a peaceful mindset.
 Vegetation: Shady trees with the presence of bodies of water that may contribute on cooling and reduces
the prevailing winds since the lot was located on a mountainous land of Batangas.
 Privacy and Inclusivity: Since the location was accessibility but at the same time not located on the crowded
city, it is ideal to achieve the goal to have a peaceful surrounding and enjoy the panoramic view without any
disruption that may surrounds the site.
 Location: CALABARZON is not that far from the central city such as metro manila, so it does not hassle to
go in to Batangas to have a leisure time.
Weakness

 Lacking Nearest Access on Emergency Services such as Hospitals and Fire Stations
 Existing Nearby Structures: The site also has a neighboring structure with somewhat similar type (Hotels
and Golf Club).
 Common Natural Disasters that Batangas encounter such as Volcanic Eruption, Earthquake, and Flood.
(Refer to the Figure 1.1, Map 1.14)

Opportunities

 Topography, Environment and Vegetations that is already present to the site it is considered as safe space
and environment. Based on the 2015 study conducted from PubMed Central, A high exposure to natural
environments (green space and gardens) in communities was associated with fewer mental disorders
among older people. In that way it will be contributing to the Resorts’ asset to gain more costumers prior to
their needs.
 Work Opportunities, Since Batangas City is considered to be rapidly urbanizing, hence the level of
employment is on demand. The facility can cater a health service and at the same time housekeeping
services. It is an opportunity to the locals to be trained and have a job on our proposed project.
Threats

 Since there’s already a hotel and other recreational facilities present nearby the location it can be
considered as a form of competition in market not just by the elders but also on other age range that may
visit the location.
 The site is lacking of access on nearby emergency facilities.
PROJECT COMPONENTS
GOALS
Sustainability
The project aims to provide a facility that is sustainable and future proof in consideration with the social,
environmental and economic aspects as well as the climate change condition. This can be achieved by decreasing
the carbon footprint through providing design strategies that can save energy, water as well as conserve nature.
User’s Experience
The project aims to provide a facility where the elders experience the facility’s unique design features that will make
them feel comfortable and safe while also experience the therapeutic and rehabilitating environment of the facility.
Health and Safety
The project aims to provide a facility where health and emergency services are already accessible to them, due to
the fact that elders are usually vulnerable to diseases as well as accidents.
Accessibility
The project aims to provide a facility that is accessible to elders from different locations that is willing to try living in a
retirement home. Since elders are also considered as PWD the project also aim to provide a barrier free spaces and
other design features that will make the facility considerate to PWDs.
Social Interaction and Connectivity
The project aims to provide a facility that enhance the social interaction and cooperation of elders to one another.
This will help them cope up on the feeling of loneliness and discrimination. Through the recreational spaces that the
facility will provide, elders will be introduced to an active, happy and healthy lifestyle.
DESIGN OBJECTIVES
To introduce elders to active lifestyle
To provide a home-like, therapeutic and rehabilitative space for elders
To change societal attitudes about aging and minimizing ageism
To maximize interaction of elders in their environment and the nature
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Rainwater Management
The non-potable water from rain can be utilized to irrigate lawns, wash automobiles, wash clothes, and flush toilets.
Rainwater harvesting systems can supply homes and businesses with water for use during dry seasons and reduce
the water bill and consumption of a facility, which is a major issue in many densely populated places.
Renewable Energy Systems
The project applies renewable energy systems, which includes those that harness solar and wind energy. These
systems contribute to a decrease in global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and they lessen the
facility’s dependency on conventional power sources and finite fossil fuels.
Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces
Landscaping choices can make a big impact in building water consumption. By using trees, plants, and grasses that
are native to the area, the project can greatly reduce irrigation needs. Landscaping can also be used as part of a
passive energy strategy. Planting trees can help shade the roof and windows during the hottest time of the day, solar
heat gain inside the building can also be reduced. These landscapes can also contribute to the health and wellness
of the elders.
Recreational Facilities
Elders can be rejuvenated by providing facilities for a range of activities throughout the day. In public spaces, social
activities such as fine arts, crafts, and music might be organized. Sports, fitness programs, yoga, meditation, and
swimming are all examples of physical activities that may be developed to incorporate the entire elderly community.
These activities can also improve the elders’ health and wellness as well as their social interaction and cooperation.
Health and Safety Services
Since elders are vulnerable to diseases and accidents medical necessities such as a doctor's office, nursing stations,
and palliative care rooms are to be provided in a single structure in a node that is easily accessible from the rest of
the site. This will help the project be more responsive and safer for the elders.
Green Building Materials and Finishes
The project will make use of existing local building materials not just to reduce the project’s cost but also to promote a
home-like facility as well as a sustainable and environmentally responsible building.
TOTAL TARGET USERS (SENIOR CITIZENS)
CALCULATE AMBF BASED ON:
● MINIMUM SETBACKS (TABLE VIII.2 AND VIII.3)
● MAXIMUM PSO (TABLE VIII.1)
● MINIMUM TOSL (TABLE VIII.G.6)
● LOT TYPES (FIG. VIII.2 TO VIII.8)

1. MINIMUM SETBACKS (TABLE VIII.2 AND VIII.3)

2. MAXIMUM PSO (TABLE VIII.1)

TLA X MAX. PSO = AMBF

TLA= 72,504.29 sqm
MAX PSO= 50%
72,504.29 sqm X 50% = 36,252.145 sqm
3. MINIMUM TOSL (TABLE VIII.G.6)

TLA X MIN. TOSL = AMBF

TLA= 72,504.29 sqm
MIN TOSL= 50%
72,504.29 sqm X 50% = 36,252.145 sqm
4. LOT TYPES (FIG. VIII.2 TO VIII.8)

OPEN SPACE= 20% THEREFORE OCCUPIED SPACE = 80%

TLA X OCCUPIED SPACE = AMBF
TLA= 72,504.29 sqm
OCCUPIED SPACE= 80%
72,504.29 sqm X 80% = 58,003.432 sqm
AMBF IS MAXIMUM THEREFORE THE MOST STRINGENT IS THE SMALLEST VALUE.
AMBF = 36,252.145 sqm
To get the total senior citizen users of the facility we assume that the area of each room per senior citizen is 16 sqm,
therefore: 36,252.145 sqm / 16 sqm = 2,265 therefore we make it 2000 target senior citizens.
TOTAL TARGET USERS (VISITORS AND STAFF)
According to DSWD Standards on Implementation of Residential Service there must be one full time social worker for
every 30 elderlies as shown below. Therefore, the total number of staffs are 66 but we make it into approximately 70.

For visitors according to studies the 20% of the total senior citizen residents are visited by their relative daily, one
senior citizen is visited by approximately 3 persons which makes it 1:3 ratio. Therefore, the total number of visitors
are 1200.
ALL IN ALL, THE TOTAL TARGET USERS IS 3270.
SPACE PROGRAMMING
TABLE DATA

⮚ Spaces provided meant for Shelter, Medical Assistance, Walking, swimming, meditation, reading,
playing games and sports related activities.
(TGFA) TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA: 24,044 sqm
No. of Users: 2,000 elderlies (Low income and homeless elderly)
No. of Workers/staff: 70 staffs (1 staff = 25-30 residents as per guidelines from DSWD)
A. RESORT HOTEL (15,849.80 sqm)
● Assisted Care Bedroom - A room designated for elderly that are needed to be assisted 24/7 through its
medical condition.
● Self-Care Bedroom – A room designated for the elderly who can still takes care of themselves despite of
being an elderly.
● Employees Locker Room – Room for Locker, and changing clothes room for the employees.
● Administration Office – Room for officers who caters the maintenance of an office building, financial
planning, record keeping of the resort.
● Conference Room
● Laundry Room – Centralized Laundry service for the elderly users.
● Housekeeping – Room for the storage for the activity of cleaning and preparing rooms for customers (in
hotels)
● Dining area – Common area for elderly to eat. Dining area can only cater 12.5% of the total target elderly
user (2000 elderlies) since we can offer deliver their food to their room if it was more convenient for them.
● Kitchen - the main hub of the hotel and the area where the foods are finished and garnished and served to
the guests.
● Employees Lounge area - an area wherein employees can relax through their break time.
● Elderlies Lounge area- an area where elderly can sit, wait and relax and even read if they want.
● Main Lobby- main entry for the Resort Hotel wherein there will be a front desk to entertain the reservations
of the guests.
● Security Room- surveillance room to protect the people of the premises against break in, home invasion and
other threats.
● Toilet Facilities – a public used toilet facility for visitors and users.
● Electrical Room
● Mechanical Room
● Storage

FUNCTIONAL SPACES AREA

Assisted Care Bedrooms1 3,567.9 sqm
Self-Care Bedrooms1 10,535.7 sqm
Employees Locker Room 104.44 sqm
Administration Office 36.50 sqm
Conference room 30.387 sqm
Laundry Room 53.08 sqm
Housekeeping 9.072 sqm
Dining Area 844.72 sqm
Kitchen 16.05 sqm
Employees Lounge area 127.64 sqm
Elderlies Lounge area 184.64 sqm
Main Lobby 49.14 sqm
Security room 10.815 sqm
Toilet Facilities 22.85 sqm
Electrical Room 7.58 sqm
Mechanical Room 14.60 sqm
Storage 9.66 sqm

B. SPORTS AND HEALTH FACILITIES (919.77 sqm)

FUNCTIONAL SPACES AREA

Rehabilitation Clinic 124.49 sqm

Sauna 115.66 sqm
Spa 173.67 sqm
Massage Room 122.5 sqm
Body Fitness Gym 167.168 sqm
Changing Room 51.32 sqm
Swimming Pool and Jacuzzi 162.92 sqm
● Rehabilitation Clinic
● Sauna
● Spa
● Massage Room
● Body Fitness Gym
● Changing Room
● Swimming pool and Jacuzzi
C. INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (1767.03 sqm)
FUNCTIONAL AREAS AREA
Game Room 207.144 sqm
Library 244.69 sqm
Lounge Area 116.10 sqm
Multipurpose Hall 1,179.68 sqm
Toilet Facilities 19.42 sqm
● Game Room
● Library
● Lounge area
● Multipurpose Hall
● Toilet Facilities

D. OTHER INDOOR AMENITIES

CHAPEL 135.87 sqm
PAVILLION 36.96 sqm
SALON 63.31 sqm
BARBER SHOP 60.62 sqm
20 COTTAGE (STUDIO TYPE) 398.80 sqm
40 COTTAGE (HUT) 588 sqm

● Resort hotel
● Administration office
● Sports and health building
● Indoor recreational building
● Ecumenical Chapel
Most of the elderly are religious so we provided a space where they can still do their religious practices without
worrying of the place to do so since ecumenical type of chapel portrays no specific religion.
● Pavilion
Pavilion is the center located structure for the planning as a space that is known for its flexibility in used and easily
accessed by almost all the provided buildings for the resort.
● Salon and barber shop
Hygiene is one important factor and yet neglected by the elderlies because of lacking of energy to do so. The project
wants
● Cottages
Studio Type for the elderly who’s with their family for a meantime of staying on the resort.
While the Hut type cottage is a kind of easy access for the elderly to rest and have a relaxing roofed shelter while
outside their rooms.

SITE SCHEMATIC PLAN

SEMIPRIVATE AREA –Spaces that residents, workers and visitor can access. That includes the Main
lobby, Dining area, Lounge area, Office and operational spaces.

● PUBLIC ACCESS AREA – Spaces located at the center of the site plan that promotes inclusivity for
the residents’ various activities such as sports and leisure.
● OTHER PRIVATE ACCOMODATIONS – This includes the cottages for both guests and resident as
well as the site’s preserved area.
SCHEMATIC FLOOR PLANS

 HOTEL

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

(2ND - 4TH) TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN
 COTTAGES
SECTIONAL A
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

● Open Floor Plan for the main lobby, Game area, and the library since elderly don’t want to
encounter a lot of room to explore it will be confusing and tiring for them to have a separated room for each
space. So, prior to that 3 steps staircase to just define the lining space for library to the main lobby and
lounge area. We also add the outdoor deck for them to have an outdoor experience in reading or playing
board games with their co-residents. We also don’t add some more floors to avoid using stairs that we all
elderlies might struggle to use.
HEALTH RELATED FACILITY