Ageing and housing are undeniably intertwined. A home can accompany us through every stage of life, from childhood and adulthood to old age, reflecting the concept of ageing in place – growing old in one’s own home or familiar community.
But preparing a home for ageing does not necessarily mean designing it solely for old age. With thoughtful planning, a home can meet our needs today while also adapting as we grow older.
To help keep the basics in mind, Asst Prof Soranart Sinuraibhan, PhD, dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Kasetsart University, shares insights into age-friendly housing that supports both physical and mental well-being, today and tomorrow.
Basic safety: non-slip flooring and fewer steps
To feel safe in our own homes, one of the biggest concerns is preventing falls. Falls are among the leading causes of injury, particularly among older adults, and can sometimes result in prolonged illness.
A simple measure that can greatly reduce the risk of accidents is choosing non-slip flooring or rough-textured tiles, particularly in bathrooms.
Likewise, eliminating level changes inside the home can make movement safer and more comfortable.
Instead of raised bathroom thresholds, a drainage channel fitted with a hidden grate can keep bathrooms step-free while preventing water from flowing into the rest of the home.
Step-free areas also make it easier to accommodate a wheelchair in the future, if needed.
Natural lighting: a life clock
While adequate lighting allows us to navigate our homes more easily, it is also important for mental well-being.
The simplest source of light is natural light, yet it is often overlooked when people design their homes.
A house should have enough windows to allow natural light and ventilation without exposing the interior to excessive heat from direct sunlight. The most suitable orientation, meanwhile, depends largely on the local climate.
Natural light also serves as a kind of life clock, with dawn and dusk reminding us that our lives are moving forward. This seemingly simple rhythm can become even more meaningful as we age.
‘When the body can still move, the mind becomes healthier too’
Getting older is not an easy reality for many people. One way to make ageing feel less limiting is to create an environment that allows us to continue using the abilities we still have with ease.
Thoughtful walkway design is therefore important. Paths around the home should be easy and comfortable to navigate, allowing residents to continue moving around independently as they age.
Wider circulation spaces, unobstructed walkways and appropriately positioned handrails can make it easier to move around the home and encourage daily activity. Even short distances can be beneficial for older adults, as long as they are able to move around safely.
Movement also creates opportunities for family interaction, bringing in another concept beyond ageing in place: intergenerational living.
When people can easily walk from one room to another, family members of different generations are more likely to meet, talk and spend time together. This can help reduce loneliness while preserving a person’s dignity and independence.
As forgetfulness can become more common with age, and some people may eventually develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the layout and visual distinction of different spaces should also be carefully considered.
While architecture cannot restore memory, it can make daily life safer and easier.
Simple layouts and clear circulation can help residents remember and manage daily routines, while colour contrast between floors and walls can help residents distinguish spaces, navigate their surroundings and reduce the risk of accidents.
The seniors’ housing trap: decluttering
While telling someone how to declutter or clean up their home may not be difficult, actually doing it can be much harder when possessions feel like memories that are being erased. From an architect’s perspective, this means storage deserves greater attention in modern homes.
Rather than treating storage as a secondary consideration, homeowners could consider setting aside at least one room as a dedicated storage space – a room that requires little decoration but provides ample space for belongings.
Flexible layouts can also help. For example, combining living and dining areas in the same space can free up room for practical functions that become increasingly valuable later in life.
Ageing could mean smaller and simpler
Planning an age-friendly home starts with getting the basics right.
Increasingly, people are preparing for old age long before they become elderly, with a growing number of retirement-oriented condominiums being purchased not only by retirees but also by younger single people who recognise the need to plan ahead.
The size of the home and its circulation spaces should be a priority, with both designed to reflect future needs.
The concept of downsizing, in which people move into smaller homes as they age, is growing in many countries. Rather than maintaining a large house, a smaller home can better match changing lifestyles while being easier to maintain and navigate.
Fundamental architectural principles, including proper orientation for ventilation and daylight, continue to matter.
Age-friendly design has also moved beyond the clinical appearance often associated with accessibility, allowing homeowners to choose supportive features without sacrificing style.
For example, lever door handles are easier to grip than traditional round knobs, while ergonomically designed adjustable tables can accommodate both standing and seated activities. Such features are useful not only for office workers but also for older adults whose mobility may change over time.
Ultimately, designing a home for ageing is not simply about preparing for physical decline. It is about creating a place where people can continue to move, connect with family, maintain their independence and live well for as long as possible.
Asst Prof Soranart is also head of the Built Environment for Health and Well-being Research Unit which contributes research and creates the knowledge network focuses on design for a built environment that supports health and well-being.