Senior Health Park: a health promotive community park for older adults

Abstract

We live in the times of an aging society. Elderly is often affected by physical and mental diseases, the progress of which may result in the need of full living assistance. Changing demographical composition will limit the availability of such service and change the approach to elderly care. To truly meet their needs and ensure a fulfilling life, planning for their future needs to be started as early as in the close coming years. The challenge we are faced with is complex and requires a wide range of solutions and approaches. One of them is health promotion among the independent elderly which could help them remain healthy and active, reducing their risk of needing living assistance. A health promotive facility could prove successful if it responds to the multitude of seniors’ varied needs, making it easy and engaging for them to use it. This effect can be achieved in a sustainable way by involving them in the design and planning process. The purpose of the thesis is to explore and develop the idea of a health promotive building project in an existing context, with focus on urban and architectural design aspects related to user experience. The main research methods, namely literature studies, area analysis and design combined with user participation will lead to a deeper understanding of the design factors and tools that contribute to a positive influence of the project. The outcome of the research is a design proposal of a health promotive facility in Mölndal, Gothenburg. Due to the chosen user-focused approach, the paper will not cover all perspectives in depth. Research with focus on the other stakeholders as well as the technical side is suggested as the next step.