Abstract

Since aging is associated with physical, cognitive, and social limitations that affect functional capacity of individual, alternative housing options were sought by many researchers as well as housing industry. Barrier Free housing features can help older adults to cope with consequences of aging and to live more independently in their housing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preference of young adults and the elderly for accessible housing attributes in their housing choice by using conjoint method, whereby respondents ranked a specific combination of particular accessible features. Based on literature reviews, accessible attributes were identified and used for analysis. The accessible attributes are clear width, removal of level difference, vertical accessibility, grab bars, non-slippery floor materials, alarm device, controller for service, and cost. The result indicated how important each accessible attribute is according to individual differences including age, income, housing type, and ownership. The most apparent difference in preference between the younger and the elderly was cost aspects in associated with accessible features. Regardless of age, income, and housing type, the respondents rated cost more important in their housing choice decision compared to the other accessible features. The conjoint analysis revealed that accessible housing attributes were related to the socio-economic variables of residents and housing type. For a single house type, vertical accessibility (e.g. elevator installation) is important. The combination of accessible attributes of housing ranked by residents was suggested.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call