An investigation into the relationship between quality of life of the elderly in relation to physical spaces in order to select an ideal residence

Abstract

The purpose of this research is first to discover and study the design factors associated with increasing quality of life of the elderly in the physical residential spaces and, then, to assess and select the best housing option meeting the needs of the elderly (nursing home, private home, elderly village) in Iran. This study is an applied survey. A researcher-made questionnaire was distributed among 150 elderly to determine quality of life indicators in relation to physical spaces. Then, the relative importance of each indicator in relation to elderly housing options was determined using AHP technique and distribution of the questionnaire among experts. The statistical population in the second stage of research was 35 experts in the field of architecture, rehabilitation, medicine, and nursing which were selected in a non-random purposive manner. In this research, the five main factors of educational and encouraging spaces, environmental desirability and comfort, personal peace and quiet, perception of ownership, and home likeness were identified in relation to the design of physical spaces to increase quality of life of the elderly. The results of the ranking of options based on these five factors indicated that the nursing home ranked first in increasing quality of life of the elderly based on its final weight.