Abstract
This research explores current strategies and approaches directed to integrate innovative technologies in the home modification process to support independent living and ageing in place. The systematic review considered studies conducted from the perspective of architecture, smart technology, and gerontology. Scientific databases of related disciplines (e.g. Scopus, Web of Science, Engineer village, Google Scholar, Crossref) were searched and supplemented by hand search method. Thirty-three out of 2594 articles were analysed from three perspectives: the framework of the smart home environment for ageing in place, the smart home modification process, and problems and countermeasures of independent living. The result shows that both home modification and smart technologies can support older adults’ independent living, especially with fall prevention and indoor accessibility. Technologies deployed in older adults’ homes are transiting from manual assistive technology to more intelligent devices, and the notion of the robotic home has emerged. According to existing practices, universal design is an extensively adopted strategy for smart home design and modification. However, in most cases, universal design is used as a retrofitting guideline for general home settings rather than specifically for smart homes. The fundamental requirements in smart home modification phases are customisation, minimum life interference, and extensible technologies to cope with the ageing process.
Highlights
The ageing population is growing rapidly in the Netherlands
This review focuses on smart home modification strategies for ageing in place
This review illustrates the innovative technologies used in the home environment, summarises smart home modification design strategies from recent research, and identifies problems and countermeasures of independent living
Summary
The ageing population is growing rapidly in the Netherlands. Compared with working-age groups, the number of retired people is growing faster, which puts pressure on limited health resources, and increases the demand for care, services, and medical devices (United Nations, 2019). The Dutch government encourages older people to “age in place”, defined as remaining living in their own home environment as long as possible (Gobbens & Van Assen, 2018). The latest data reveal that more than 40,000 Dutch households aged 65 and above are living in an “unsuitable” home environment (de Klerk et al, 2019; Leidelmeijer, 2017). Because of the physical decline of older people, the housing designed for the general population could gradually become uncomfortable or even dangerous. Including the Netherlands, all housing stock in Europe is facing this serious problem, especially for the very old group (over 80 years old) (Braubach & Power, 2011)
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