The impact of housing environments on social connection: an ethnographic investigation on quality of life for older adults with care needs

《The impact of housing environments on social connection: an ethnographic investigation on quality of life for older adults with care needs》

打印

摘要: The increase in the aging population who require care has created a growing demand for housing that can support their independence and wellbeing. As loss of meaningful social connection is a common occurrence in advanced age, its maintenance has been identified as a fundamental contributor to ongoing quality of life (QoL). This article examines the relationship between theories of person-environment (P-E) fit and QoL focusing on the role of the built environment in facilitating social connectedness. Through an ethnographical investigation, the lived experiences and spatial use of 30 older adults with care needs, living in seniors housing complexes in New Zealand were collected through semi-structured interviews and daytime observations. Analysis based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed four core themes for meaningful social connections that were influenced by the housing environment, namely, accommodating personal guests, living as a couple, maintaining relationships with neighbors, and keeping connections to the wider community. The research highlights the diverse social needs of this cohort due to life situations and functional ability. It emphasizes the need for a good P-E fit, as circumstances change with particular attention to the multifaceted influence of housing environments on QoL.