Soundscape experience activities and mapping

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Environmental Psychology
• Acoustic Ecology

Background:

• Global populations are aging, increasing the need for supportive home environments.
• Aging in place is a growing trend, highlighting the importance of domestic soundscapes.
• Intentional design of home acoustic environments can enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Soundscape Experience Activities and Mapping (SEAM), a novel method for studying older adults' perceptions of indoor acoustic environments.
• To explore how older adults engage with and are affected by their domestic soundscapes.
• To provide insights for designing soundscape interventions that support older adults' independence.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method approach combining Ecological Momentary Assessment and Cultural Probe methods.
• Engagement of eight older adults (aged 56-76) in Belgium to document domestic soundscape experiences.
• Reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: personal agency in acoustic environment control, sound-structured temporal routines, sound-memory associations and place attachment, and social presence via acoustic monitoring.
• Sounds were identified as spatiotemporal anchors, structuring daily life and fostering place attachment through memory.
• The SEAM method provided situated insights into older adults' soundscape experiences.

Conclusions:

• Sound plays a crucial role in older adults' daily routines and sense of place within their homes.
• The SEAM methodology offers a valuable approach for situated soundscape research with older populations.
• Findings can inform the design of home soundscape interventions to support independence and well-being in older adults.