Factors Affecting Design and Management of Residential Community for Enhancing Well-being of Thai Early Stage Elderly

Abstract

This article presents factors related to environmental perception, residential community, and design of the healing environment, which affect Thai early stage elderly perceptions and requirements. Structural equation modeling was used to assess influences among the factors. Empirical data were collected from 419 samples of Thai early stage elderly. The research revealed that requirements of the residential community were classified into three groups including (1) general facilities and activities, (2) facilities related to health and security, and (3) facilities related to physical exercise. Results showed that factors of the elderly's requirements have direct effects on willingness to join in with project activities of the residential community. The result led to formulating policies in design and management of the residential community which enhanced the quality of life both physically and mentally for the Thai early stage elderly.