Conceptual Residential Design Framework to enhance Well-being of Elderly in Thailand

Abstract

A conceptual residential design framework was modelled using healing environmental and universal design concepts to enhance the well-being of the elderly in Thailand. Research methods involved informal interviews and observations for three Thai case studies. Interview results were summarized with related theories and literature. All factors were collated and listed. Seven experts in related fields were employed to confirm the factors and framework following the Delphi technique. Results showed that elderly characteristics had a positive direct effect on requirements of the elderly in a residential community which comprised two sub-factors including (1) healing environment, and (2) universal design. Each factor affected the willingness of the elderly to join communal events of the residential community. This framework will be used for quantitative analysis to determine future policy for environmental design and management of residential communities to enhance the well-being of the elderly in Thailand.