In the year Mary-Jean Eastman, FAIA, and I started Perkins Eastman over 40 years ago, we set out to create a practice that was based around six distinct but complementary areas of practice, which included Education, Healthcare, Multifamily Housing, as well as senior Living and Care.
The firm’s size increased to more than 1,100 employees with 24 offices. The number of practice areas increased to 15. However, Senior Living and Care was the first area to be made an established national practice. It was instrumental in launching the practice internationally and is a part of the firm’s culture.
In the past, the choices available to older adults in need of support and care were a few. In many communities, there were only hospitals-like nursing homes, and the majority of residents lived in two- or four-bed rooms. Certain communities provided minimal “homes for the aged” that were typically exactly the same as nursing homes. Many people who had an option opted out of these.
Things started to change as the aging population and their families pushed for better options. We were fortunate enough to be present at the beginning of this massive shift in the market, and we were able to work on a variety of innovative designs for senior care and living throughout North America. Since the beginning of our 25th year, we’ve started to work across several countries around the globe.
In our involvement in this area, we have gained a wealth of knowledge about designing and planning senior living and care communities.
1. Senior living and health is a worldwide issue.
Senior living is a fast-expanding issue in nearly every rapidly developed nation in the globe.
Because of advances in nutrition, medicine, as well as sanitation, and public health, the life expectancy of the majority of developed and developing countries has dramatically increased across the globe.
In the U.S., 21% of the total population, or between 71 and 74 million, are expected to be 65 or older in 2030. In China, 17% (240 million) will be 65 years old or older in 2030. In the fastest-growing population in Japan, one-third of the population is predicted to be 65 years old or older in 2050.
Half Century More Co. (owner) chose an urban site on Tokyo Bay for its 260,000-sf Sun City Minato Mirai, which offers 228 upscale independent living apartments in the Yokohama area. The site offers waterfront views to the east and south and a neighborhood-serving promenade along the length of the site’s north side. Photo: © Kawasumi Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office / Courtesy Perkins Eastman.
Even in countries that have the highest birth rate, like Israel, the segment of people over 65 is predicted to grow by a third by 2030, growing from 693,000 in the year 2005 to 1.4 million in 2030.
Response to unique requirements of housing and care for senior citizens is insufficient everywhere. The demand for senior care is growing rapidly; however, often, it is not well-focused efforts to provide an organized and planned supply.
Lobby at Sun City Minato Mirai. Amenities include a restaurant, café, bar, and spa. Photo: © Kawasumi Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office / Courtesy Perkins Eastman
2. Planning for senior living and design should be rooted in a knowledge of the biological process of aging.
A set of elements that are common to people who age across the globe: the effects of biological aging. To design, plan and create an effective senior care and living environment, the project teams must be aware of the biological aging process and its importance in influencing the design and operation.
Aging individuals differ and occur at different paces, however, with time, the majority of people experience some of the following effects of biological aging
Over time, virtually all body systems cease to respond to the stimulus.
The eyesight of an older person deteriorates. eyes are less able to adapt to changes in the light level. seniors require more light levels to read and perform everyday activities and are usually not able to cope with the glare.
Hearing decreases as we age; inability to filter out background noise can cause anxiety, isolation, and the risk of being unable to respond to warning signals.
* Flexibility, dexterity, and balance decline, which raises grave concerns about falling that, for elderly people, may cause death.
The physical strength is maintained through exercises, but eventually, it decreases with time.
The body loses its ability to regulate comfort as well as body temperature.
The loss of memory and decline in cognitive abilities are common. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia that are related to it pose a significant danger to a rapidly growing portion of the elderly population.
* Chronic health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive lung disease, are frequent among seniors and frequently become worse as time passes.
These issues have profound effects on the older population and must be at the center of designing and planning for senior living spaces.
Wide door widths, seamless floor transitions, and high lighting levels are integrated into an inviting and comfortable setting for residents of the 89,000-sf Goodwin Living Small House, Alexandria, Va., where long-term care and assisted living residents can mingle with independent living residents. Photo: Sarah Mechling / © Perkins Eastman
3. A well-thought-out design can reduce many of the negative consequences of aging biologically and increase the independence of older adults.
A well-planned, well-designed, and planned senior living communities are able to reduce the impact of biological aging and increase the independence of seniors and greatly improve their level of living.
Particularly in mature markets, there is an increasing recognition that well-planned and properly managed communities can enhance the capacity of older adults to live independently and in a safe environment, with an improved standard of living, more than they would at their homes, or in a new home that was not built specifically to meet the requirements of the elderly.
Another reason is that a large number of youngsters or family members of older adults are no longer living near their elderly relatives and don’t have the time or energy to take care of them when they live near. Therefore, a large portion of the decisions for finding”a “place for Mom” are taken by relatives or children who wish to ensure that the elderly family member is safe and well-cared for in a suitable setting.