Determinants of elderly living conditions and suggested design considerations for mixed-use facilities for the elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the usability of mixed-use facilities for the elderly as an architectural solution to alleviate the problem of isolation of the elderly. Data were gathered from elderly residents of three mixed and three conventional housing facilities in the State of Texas by way of on-site personal interviews. Comparative analyses of the responses were used to determine the usability of the mixed-use concept. Comparative analyses included descriptive analyses and explanatory analyses. At first, descriptive analyses, including contingency tables and t-test statistics, were undertaken to determine if significant differences existed in the responses of elderly living in mixed-use versus conventional housing facilities. In addition, factor analysis, correlation, and stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the overall relationships between independent variables, including facility design, health status, transportation, socioeconomic and resident status, and the dependent variable--perceived accessibility of community facilities. Results from these analyses indicated significant differences in perceived accessibility to community facilities between elderly residents of mixed-use versus conventional housing facilities. Residents in mixed-use facilities consistently perceived higher accessibility to community facilities, including daily activities, leisure activities, and health facilities, than did elderly residents of conventional facilities. These findings strongly support the general hypothesis of the investigation. Finally, design recommendations for mixed-use facilities for the elderly, and suggestions for future research are presented.