Thailand is transitioning into a Senior Aging Society, as indicated by the National Statistical Office, which states that by 2030, over 21% of the population will be aged 60 and above. The elderly can be divided into two groups: those who can care for themselves (Independent Living / Active Aging) and those who require caregivers (Assisted Living), marking a full-fledged aging society. Today, I would like to share ideas on developing housing for the elderly by introducing various international models of senior housing and community development to provide a new perspective for Thailand.

There are several approaches to developing housing for the elderly, but I will highlight findings from Gensler, a global design and research firm based in San Francisco, USA, which outlines five interesting strategies for developing housing for seniors:

  1. Housing suitable for the elderly must foster community interaction (Community Relationship). Survey results show that 69% of seniors prefer to live in their original communities, where they have emotional ties to their neighborhoods. Developing housing for the elderly within these familiar communities allows them to continue living in a comfortable environment tailored to their needs.
  2. Housing that integrates diverse design functions and accommodates all ages (Mixed-use, mixed-income, multigenerational lifestyle developments) is a new model for real estate projects. For example, designing flexible condominium units that can be adapted to accommodate caregivers while also serving as residences for new families or working individuals sharing space. Seniors should not only live with other seniors but should be part of a diverse, supportive community that fosters new social interactions.
  3. Enhancing elderly care is a growing service and a shifting marketing strategy that focuses on comprehensive care for seniors, from personnel to facilities. This involves leveraging knowledge from healthcare institutions to develop services that suit the lifestyle of seniors in their residences and communities.
  4. Implementing Gerontechnology for seniors. Gerontechnology is the application of technology to meet the needs of seniors in areas such as health, housing, communication, leisure, and work, enabling those living alone or without caregivers to lead safe and convenient lives.
  5. Housing models for Active adults will replace the one-size-fits-all approach, moving away from the outdated image of nursing homes. Seniors who can still engage in various activities and work should have housing that meets their individual needs, focusing on seven dimensions of health: cognitive, physical, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, and emotional. Therefore, seniors may not need to move into nursing homes but can reside in condominiums or regular housing projects in their original neighborhoods, provided these projects support the aforementioned seven dimensions of health.

Based on Gensler's five strategies for developing housing for seniors, the Product Design Center (PDC) of “Lumpini Wisdom” has studied suitable housing development approaches for the elderly in Thailand to enhance their quality of life, starting with:

-Developing projects in densely populated urban areas, possibly as small-scale projects integrated within each community.

The idea is that seniors will live happily in their original communities. Therefore, developing these areas to create environments suitable for elderly living is essential. A study of the elderly community in Pesqueza, a small village in Spain, which has developed housing projects for seniors, shows that Spain has a significant elderly population. This village has a total of 130 residents, two-thirds of whom are seniors over 65 years old. They have a non-profit project called "Stay with Us," which develops necessary services based on the needs of seniors in the community, aiming to enable them to live independently without excessive reliance on others. The success of this project has become a model for other villages in Spain.

Similarly, the Hogewey Care Centre in the Netherlands appears to be an ordinary town with a central square, supermarket, hair salon, theater, pub, and café. However, upon closer inspection, it is designed specifically for seniors, most of whom have dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The Hogewey Care Centre has been operational since 2009 and is the first in the world to create a village specifically for patients with these conditions. The aim is to allow Alzheimer’s patients to continue living normally within this small community. Notably, a team of 250 medical staff members disguise themselves as shopkeepers, postal workers, or café servers to care for the elderly residents. Additionally, each house is uniquely decorated, such as urban-style or upper-class decor, to help seniors feel at home.

In Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, there is a concept that combines elderly care with childcare, called the Aoi Care Center, which fosters free interaction between seniors and children. Seniors can participate in caring for children, such as serving food and changing diapers, while children can visit seniors, allowing them to share quality time together and avoid the perception that “seniors are a burden to someone.”

-Designing and selecting materials that are safe for elderly use

In addition to creating communities that interact and care for the elderly, technology and innovation play a significant role in developing housing that meets Universal Design standards. Research from “Lumpini Wisdom” indicates that developing housing for seniors requires selecting materials and equipment suitable for their use. Statistics show that one in three seniors will experience a slip and fall accident in the bathroom, making it the first area in the home that should be improved. This includes installing grab bars, using slip-resistant tiles with an R10 rating or higher, and selecting durable sanitary ware that is not easily breakable. Toilets should not be too low to facilitate easier standing up, and bathrooms should have adequate lighting. Furniture should also cater to the needs of seniors, with stable chairs and sofas that do not tip easily, as seniors often lean on them for support when sitting or standing. Shallow seats are better for those with knee issues than deep seats. Adjustable reclining seats are suitable for daytime rest, and leg rests are necessary to elevate legs and reduce numbness. Cushions should be removable and easy to clean. Tables or shelves should have rounded edges to prevent injuries, and shelves should be within reach, avoiding heights that require climbing. Mattresses should be 45-50 centimeters off the ground.

Simultaneously, elderly rooms should avoid materials that transfer heat and cold too quickly, such as tiled or stone floors, which can feel uncomfortable and lead to health issues. Therefore, wooden floors, which maintain a stable temperature, are preferable as they reduce impact in case of slips and provide a relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, shock-absorbing flooring with wood patterns made from PVC can also be used. Stairs for seniors should have sturdy handrails on both sides, with a height of 80 cm from the ground, and door handles should be changed from knobs to lever handles for easier use.

-Utilizing technology for convenience in elderly use

Currently, many technologies have been developed to facilitate the lives of seniors, particularly Smart Home technologies that enhance comfort and allow control of various devices, including lights via voice or motion sensors, especially for safety, such as emergency buttons in bathrooms and beside beds to alert family members, building caretakers, or hospitals. Additionally, providing WiFi access is essential, as a survey by NRF found that 47% of Baby Boomers are increasingly using social networks, with 75% having their own Facebook accounts, enjoying sharing information with friends and connecting with family to alleviate loneliness. Moreover, seniors are increasingly enjoying online shopping, making comprehensive WiFi installation in living areas necessary.

-Applying health-oriented building design criteria. Standards for design considering good hygiene have been developed by various institutions, such as WELL, FitWell, or SOOK, as well as the Healthy Building criteria from the Thai Green Building Institute, which are suitable for use in developing housing for seniors in Thailand.

I believe that seniors are vital contributors to the country, embodying the “golden age” filled with knowledge and capabilities. Many seniors can still utilize their knowledge and experiences to benefit society without being a burden. Therefore, developing communities and housing that meet the needs of seniors is part of enhancing their quality of life and building a supportive and nurturing society, which is the foundation of Thai society.

See you again in the last month of the year; stay tuned for what’s coming next!