Research on the Transformation Model of Spiritual Requirements in Elderly-Oriented Design

Abstract

In the context of global aging, the elderly-oriented design of residences has become popular area within the field of building refurbishment. Spiritual needs are more complicated. Due to the long span of life experience, the spiritual needs of the elderly population are influenced by the evolving social culture and lifestyle, and characterized by the blending of the old with the new. Currently, a key issue is to determine the degree of association between the spiritual needs of the elderly and the residential space, and to assessed their impact on residential renovation. Another significant problem that needs to be addressed is which influencing factors can be reused in aging design, and what the array is. Therefore, the paper analyzes the elderly groups who are aging in place in the rural areas of southern Fujian, China, from the four aspects of behavior, history, society and organizational culture. On the basis of qualitative research, a model for the transformation of the spiritual needs of the elderly was proposed. The gathered research results confirm that the core of the spiritual needs of the elderly lies in social integration. The basis of triggering social integration is to establish an inclusive environment that is in line with modern society. This environment is functionally oriented with spiritual needs, and the cultures of social relations and religious belief play an essential role. Each spiritual need is transformed into spatial modules that are combined into a cross-chain, and various spatial modules should ensure that social contacts are established at all levels. This model emphasizes the complexity of the spiritual needs of the elderly and the significance of integration into society. Furthermore, it combines architectural refurbishment with aging design. The research results determine the direction and verification mode of the transformation process, which will be widely applicable to various aging living environment designs to meet the real needs of the elderly.