Safety in Housing for Older Adults-A Qualitative Case Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Urban Planning
• Sociology

Background:

• Housing for older adults often prioritizes physical safety over social well-being.
• Older adults seek living environments that support personal capacities and social networks.
• The built environment significantly impacts physical, social, and emotional safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of community and shared spaces in the safety and well-being of older adults.
• To understand the importance of social connections for older adults, particularly after experiencing a building fire.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with older adults who experienced a building fire.
• Analysis of lived experiences to identify factors contributing to safety and recovery.

Main Results:

• Community plays a vital role in daily life, emergencies, and recovery for older adults.
• Community building is linked to access to common-use spaces and regular neighbor interactions.
• Shared spaces enhance community cohesion and facilitate peer support.

Conclusions:

• Accessible housing with community-building spaces is essential for older adults' safety and resilience.
• Urban environments with common-use spaces and public facilities are critical for emergency preparedness and recovery.
• Integrating social aspects into housing design can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults.