Abstract

With the indication of the rapidly aging population, it is imperative that we start planning now for how we will house and care for the senior population in the future. Retirement living providers continue to expand wellness, dining, and recreation options in response to demands for more choices and a healthier lifestyle. Options that emerged at the beginning of the century continue to develop, to provide a healthier place for the elderly. Traditional life-care models of retirement living are being challenged by more flexible entry criteria, and transition to such a community is being handled in new and novel ways. The purpose of this paper is to show that creating a senior-living facility that is integrated sustainably with their natural environments is important because it has a significant impact on improving seniors’ mental health and preventing their dehumanization within institutions. With the shift in the design of senior living facilities in recent years, this paper shows how effective design can bring in positive results in geriatric mental and physical well-being and prevents the dehumanizing feeling that institutional settings often impose. New models of elderly care significantly affect healthcare outcomes, especially through designs highly integrated with nature, sun, and wind. This article will focus on how to improve the connection of indoor spaces with surrounding environment, how to consider the available natural resources in design of senior-living residence while preventing the dehumanization of patients, retaining a fulfilling community for elderly care, and ensuring sustainability.