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Enhancing Social Interaction for the Residents of Assisted Living Facilities by Optimizing the Physical Environment: A Participant-Generated Image-Based Approach

Author
Jia, Miao
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have examined the benefits of increased social interaction on improved quality of life and overall wellbeing among community-dwelling older adults. However, few studies explored effective environmental factors that could affect social interaction. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify environmental factors that facilitate or hinder social interaction by elderly residents from their perspective. Methods: To record feedback from older adults that dwelling in the assisted living facility within a continuing care retirement community, this exploratory study deployed a participant-generated image method, which includes a photovoice and a photo-elicitation interview. Photos were sorted based on subjects, and interview responses were analyzed using content analysis of qualitative inquiry. Results: A total of 11 older adults completed this study by recording 254 photos and participating in the follow-up interviews. Among 149 analyzed photos with complete descriptions, participants identified key environmental and non-environmental factors as impactful on social interaction. Five main domains identified are physical space accessibility, locations, and layouts, home-like and comfortable ambiance, presence of mediums for interaction, privacy and security, and variation in everyday life. Conclusion: The findings inform the future design of aging communities to be socialization friendly for community-dwelling older adults with the intention to enhance their quality of life and overall wellbeing.
Date Issued
2019-08-30Subject
Aging; Health care management; Design; Assisted Living; Design Guidelines; Environmental Design; Participant-Generated Image Methods; Social Interaction
Committee Chair
Sagha Zadeh, Rana
Committee Member
Ong, Anthony D.
Degree Discipline
Design and Environmental Analysis
Degree Name
M.A., Design and Environmental Analysis
Degree Level
Master of Arts
Type
dissertation or thesis