Aging & Social Change: Eleventh Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

We are headed towards an Urban Aging Society. The built environment not only has a major impact on the mobility, independence and QOL of elderly but also directly influences their mental well-being. Many elderly tend to spend an ample amount of time in the outdoor-shared spaces of their neighborhoods, which is why these spaces need to promote social and physical well-being. India has started to focus on the QOL of its citizens too, although specific focus on mental well-being requires attention especially for the vulnerable groups like elderly. This study aims to find out what elements and qualities of neighborhood outdoor-shared spaces can facilitate mental well-being of the elderly in the case of a low-rise neighborhood. The selected case is of Sheikh Sarai, a low-rise high-density gated neighborhood located in Delhi, India. The research conducted was qualitative and primarily empirical. The interaction between the spaces and the elderly was critically observed and the activities observed were mapped. Interviews were conducted to understand their perceptions of well-being. Neighborhood design strategies regarding outdoor-shared spaces, which promote mental well-being of the elderly, were formed. There are very few practical guidelines for designers/planners concerning mental well-being. As elderly prefer to ‘age in place’, this study intends to bring the focus on improving their mental well-being via design at a neighborhood level. This study may influence others to research further in this field and focus on various target groups within the elderly spectrum, which can be used to incorporate their needs in the built environments.

Presenters

Shreya Shukla
Student, PhD, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India

Tina Pujara
Assistant Professor and Founder of Happiness by Design Research Group, Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, India