As people age, the natural ageing process brings about varying degrees of changes in sensory functions (such as vision, hearing, smell, and touch), physical abilities (such as reaction time and balance), and cognitive functions (such as attention and memory). These changes create corresponding needs for their living environment.
An age-friendly home is a thoughtfully designed living environment that supports older adults by addressing their evolving needs throughout the ageing process. It is a key environmental factor in achieving ageing in place. Centred on user needs, age-friendly homes emphasise safety, convenience, accessibility, and cognitive support. These features help enhance the overall quality of life for older adults, allowing them to live safely and comfortably in familiar surroundings.
User-Driven
An age-friendly home is designed from the user's perspectives — older adults and their carers. By focusing on their needs and experiences, the home environment is tailored to support ageing in place.
Safe, Convenient and Barrier-free Living Environment
To help reduce the risk of accidents, support older adults in carrying out daily activities, and adapt to their changing health needs as they age. Below are some examples of age-friendly home features:
Bathroom
Replace a bathtub with a step-free shower or install grab bars in the bathroom to reduce the risk of falls caused by decreased balance or lower limb strength.
Bedroom
Opt for open or transparent storage designs for wardrobes, allowing older adults to locate stored items more easily.
Living Room
Place armrests on both sides of sofas and chairs, as well as between seats, to provide support for older adults when standing up.
Kitchen
Use flameless cooking appliances or stoves with automatic shut-off features to enhance safety for older adults, and help prevent accidents caused by those experiencing memory decline, who may forget to turn off the stove after cooking.
Mind-Friendly
By optimising the home environment and providing assistive tools and technological products, the aim is to reduce the feelings of confusion for individuals with dementia, thereby improving or maintaining their mobility and independence.
Minimise Potential Risks
Ensure adequate lighting and keep pathways clear and unobstructed.
Reduce Unhelpful Stimulation
Avoid using overly decorative or patterned flooring, curtains, and other furnishings.
Create a Familiar Environment
Incorporate familiar items such as personal decorations and family photographs.
Design for Easy Recognition
Avoid overly modern or abstract interior designs, use clear signage and visual cues when necessary.
Provide Optimised Sensory Stimulation
Display items of interest to engage the senses of the older adults, such as potted plants or small decorative objects.
Encourage Engagement in Activities
Provide a suitable environment that encourages older adults to participate in daily self-care, household tasks, and other meaningful activities.
Provide Opportunities for Privacy and Social Interaction
Offer safe spaces for storing older adults’ personal belongings and include areas or activities that promote interaction with family members or carers.
Foster an Enabling Environment for Meaningful Living
Create a barrier-free environment that empowers older adults to engage in activities they find meaningful and fulfilling.
In addition to promoting age-friendly home concepts, the Centre actively advocates for the implementation of ageing-in-place practices through three key dimensions: community environment, lifestyle, and active ageing.
To uphold this service philosophy, the Centre offers a wide range of services, including educational tours, hands-on experiences, health assessments, and professional consultations. These initiatives continuously raise community awareness about the importance of age-friendly home environments, empowering older adults to age in place.