Creating An Inclusive Community Activity Center For The Elderly: Fostering Intergenerational Interaction
Keywords:
Elderly community center, intergenerational, inclusive designAbstract
As individuals transition into their senior years, they often experience declines in both physical and psychological well-being. Consequently, the elderly require specialized services distinct from those provided to younger adults. To address these challenges, the establishment of an elderly community center become essential, offering a range of tailored services derived from informed problem-solving approaches rooted in elderly-related phenomena. While discussions about the elderly tend to focus on their vulnerabilities, they possess a wealth of invaluable life experiences that surpass mere frailty. Their extensive knowledge, skills, life experiences, desires, regrets, and achievements serve as not only sources of nostalgia for the youth but also as a reservoir of knowledge ripe for analysis and transformation into meaningful life lessons. Facilitating intergenerational memories can effectively foster positive interactions between older and younger generations. The envisioned community center embraces an inclusive design approach, crafting an environment accessible to all users. With advancing age, diminished physical mobility and motor function lead to reduced strength and energy among the elderly. Designing spaces with their comfort and safety in mind within the built environment is crucial. This endeavor is informed by community observations, field studies, precedent analyses, and literature reviews, thereby gathering relevant theories to underpin the research. Six design strategies emerge from these investigations: 1) Site selection strategy, 2) Mass composition and building façade strategy, 3) Activity zoning within the building strategy, 4) Access and circulation strategy, 5) Interior space design strategy, and 6) Equipment and furniture strategy. By embracing an inclusive design approach, the planning and analysis encompass strategies for shared activities while ensuring comfort and safety, promoting the development and interaction of both the elderly and younger generations.
Keywords: Elderly Community Center; Intergenerational; Inclusive Design
References
Adi , A. (2022, May 30). Databoks. Retrieved from Katadata Media Network: https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2022/05/30/ada-30-juta-penduduk-lansia-di-indonesia-pada 2021#:~:text=Kementerian%20Kesehatan%20memproyeksikan%20jumlah%20penduduk,13%2C82%25)%20pada%202035.
Alterovitz SS, Mendelsohn GA. Relationship goals of middle-aged, young-old, and old-old Internet daters: an analysis of online personal ads. J Aging Stud. 2013;27:159–65.
Harper, S., & Hamblin, K. (2013). International Handbook on Aging and Public Policy. Edward Elgar.
Harfina, & Vibriyanti. (2017). Determinan Kualitas Hidup Lansia di Kota Medan.
Jeste, D., Depp, C., & Vahia, I. (2010). Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging. World Psychiatry, 78-84.
Newman, S. (1997). Intergenerational Programs. Taylor & Francis.
Szanton, S. J., Walker, R. K., Roberts, L., Thorpe, J., R, J., Wolff, J., . . . Seplaki, C. (2015). Older adults' favorite activities are resoundingly active: Findings from the NHATS study. Elsevier.
Duzenli, T., Bayramoglu, E., & Özbilen, A. (2010). Needs and preferences of adolescents in open urban spaces.
Crooks, V., Lubben, J., Petitti, D., Little, D., & Chiu, V. (2011). Social Network, Cognitive Function, and Dementia Incidence Among Elderly Women. A Publication of The American Public Health Associations.
