The Senior Farm - Where You Grow Young - The farm where senior housing meets a kindergarten

Abstract

The population in Sweden is estimated to increase from 10 million to 12 million by 2060. It is expected that 25% of the population will be over 65 at that time. Even though the older population is essentially healthier, stronger, and more active than ever before, many elderly experience loneliness and live more isolated. Loneliness is sometimes referred to as a national disease that can give severe physical and emotional symptoms. Therefore, loneliness must be taken seriously as it concerns one of the building blocks for achieving the sustainable development goal: good health and well being. The thesis aims to investigate and answer the questions: how can an environment support the interactions between children, animals, and the elderly, at the same time as it fights loneliness among the older generation? What type of housing and what characteristics of the surrounding environment can be used to promote well-being? The project uses research, interviews, and study visits to support the thesis concept of intergenerational activities and human and animal interaction. Research shows that these initiatives can have a major positive impact on the health and well-being of the elderly, kids, and the community at large. The thesis is structured into five parts where several methods have been used. First, we have the theoretical part, covering the concept of the elderly, loneliness, health promoting design, animal therapy, and intergenerational meetings. The second part, covers site analysis, interviews, and SWOT analysis. In the third part, the vision and design strategies are presented. In the fourth part, a site-specific project proposal is showcased by program, drawings, and renders. In the end, the author reflects and gives final comments on the process and final results. The design proposal ends up suggesting senior housing in combination with a preschool and a farm located in the Råda Mosse area of the city of Lidköping. The thesis hopes to inspire others on how one can use design as a tool to support a physical environment and contribute to increased well-being and a decreased sense of loneliness in the older generation.