Purpose The population of older adults is growing rapidly and “ageing-in-place” has become the dominant living arrangement in India. Yet residential interiors in urban environments for older adults continue to be designed on Western anthropometric standards that overlook the physical and cultural needs of older Indians. This study aims to be a preliminary examination of the spatial ergonomics of the “Critical Triad” of kitchen, bedroom and toilet in urban homes in Tamil Nadu, India. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method study was conducted with 30 participants (24 elderly and 6 middle-aged occupants) across Coimbatore, Salem and Vellore cities of Tamil Nadu, India. Data were collected through on-site spatial measurement, behavioural mapping, semi-structured interviews and expert photography and analysed using prevalence ranking and chi-square tests of association. Findings The study found extensive body-space mismatch rooted in Western-derived design dimensions. Ninety percent of elderly women reported physical strain while working in modular kitchens, 87% of participants lived with fear of falling in toilets and all participants reported discomfort from glossy bedroom flooring and inadequate circulation space. Chi-square analysis confirmed that several kitchen hazards (grinder use, prolonged standing, slippery flooring) are significantly gendered, while bedroom and toilet hazards affect both genders comparably. The erosion of traditional South Indian features such as verandas, detached toilets and semi-open kitchens was linked to heightened safety anxiety and physical dependency. Originality/value The study derives age-adjusted anthropometric benchmarks from National Institute of Design data and translates them into measurable architectural parameters and room layouts for the Critical Triad, offering designers an evidence-based, culturally grounded framework for age-responsive housing in South India.
Purpose This viewpoint aims to examine whether people living with dementia can live well in housing with care (HwC) settings, including extra care housing, retirement villages and other supported housing models. Drawing on evidence from the DemECH project and wider research, it argues that living well is not determined by the housing model alone but by the interaction between the individual, the physical and social environment, care and support, staffing, organisational culture and the ability to respond to changing needs. This study highlights the importance of autonomy, inclusion, relationships and personalised support and explores the implications for providers, commissioners and policymakers. Design/methodology/approach This is a viewpoint paper. Findings This is a viewpoint paper. Originality/value This viewpoint makes an original contribution by moving beyond the question of whether people with dementia can live in HwC and focuses instead on what enables them to live well there. Drawing together evidence from the DemECH project and wider research, it challenges assumptions that one model of HwC is inherently superior and argues that outcomes are shaped by the interaction between housing, care, social relationships, organisational culture and individual circumstances. The paper offers a holistic, evidence-informed perspective that has practical relevance for providers, commissioners, policymakers and researchers seeking to develop more dementia-inclusive housing and support services.
Purpose This study aims to explore the service needs older adults identify when participating in community-based visual arts and leisure activities and examines how these needs are structured within their participation experiences. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative design was adopted. Twelve older adults (seven men and five women) recruited from a university for older adults participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The interview data were analysed thematically to identify recurring service needs and their higher-order structure. Findings The analysis identified 16 core service needs organised into five dimensions: accessible participation conditions, adaptive activity design, responsive instructional support, supportive social climate and creative growth and recognition. The findings indicate that participation depends not only on physical access to activities but also on whether activities are manageable, support is available when difficulties arise, social interaction is respectful and encouraging and participants have opportunities to continue learning and develop creatively. Originality/value This study develops a five-dimensional structure of service needs for community visual arts based on older adults’ actual participation experiences and shows how different service conditions are interconnected throughout the participation process. The findings provide a more concrete framework for understanding older adults’ practical needs and offer a useful basis for the design and improvement of community arts programmes.
Purpose Extreme longevity is considered a sign of healthy ageing. While healthy ageing is a global goal, centenarian studies in Africa remain scanty. Design/methodology/approach Framed by the life course and social capital theoretical frameworks, this case study aimed to explore the factors contributing to longevity based on perceptions of nine community-dwelling centenarians in Ethiopia. SNarrative data collected through in-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. Findings Ethiopian centenarians considered religious beliefs and practices, heredity, dietary habits, stable marriages and strong work habits as important factors contributing to their longevity. Additionally, individual traits such as resilience, self-discipline and emotional stability strengthened adaptation to lifelong adversity. Practical implications Longevity is a cumulative phenomenon influenced by biological, psycho-social and ecological factors across the life course in both temporal and spatial dimensions. Policy, research and practice must focus on strengthening holistic well-being while ensuring cultural sensitivity in promoting healthy aging in Africa to age 100 and beyond. Originality/value The study aimed to generate in-depth insights into how Ethiopian centenarians have lived for extended years, to identify the biological, socioeconomic and behavioral factors contributing to extreme longevity in the Ethiopian context, and to capture the lived experiences of centenarians.
Purpose The present study aims to examine the relationship between elder abuse and depressive symptoms among older adults. In addition, the study examines the mediating role of loneliness in explaining the above relationship. Design/methodology/approach The present study adopts cross-sectional quantitative research design. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 449 older adults aged 60 years and above residing in urban and semiurban regions. Data was analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling to evaluate the measurement model and test the proposed hypotheses. Findings The findings of the study indicate that elder abuse has a significant and positive impact on depressive symptoms among older adults. Furthermore, loneliness significantly mediates the relationship between elder abuse and depressive symptoms. The above outcomes highlight loneliness as an important psychological mechanism through which elder abuse influences the mental well-being of older adults. Research limitations/implications The present study is restricted by its cross-sectional design, which restricts causal inferences, and the use of self-reported data, which may be subject to response bias. Practical implications The findings emphasize the importance of integrated interventions involving healthcare professionals, social workers, caregivers, community organizations and policymakers to identify and prevent elder abuse, reduce loneliness and strengthen social support systems. Such interventions can contribute to improving the psychological well-being and quality of life of older adults. Originality/value The present study extends the literature of elder abuse and mental health by explaining the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between elder abuse and depressive symptoms.
