Designing for Longevity: How Pi Architects Works to Fight the Loneliness Epidemic
It is possible to be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), loneliness is common among older adults and can be influenced by retirement, financial stress, the loss of friends and peers, limited transportation, and declining physical health. An estimated 61% of seniors experience moderate loneliness. While moving into a senior living community is often seen as a solution, the relocation alone rarely eliminates the issue. Loneliness does not vanish simply because older adults share the same address. What people need are meaningful opportunities for connection. The Boomers and GenXers want experiences tailored to their individual interests, abilities, and rhythms of daily life.
This is where thoughtful design becomes essential. The next generation of residents, Boomers and Gen Xers, approach aging with different expectations. They value independence, choice, authenticity, and environments that support both social engagement and personal well-being. Yet, this can also be difficult to engage these residents through traditional senior living programming or conventional community layouts.
At Pi Architects, our design philosophy focuses on creating communities that support connection.
Engaging Boomers and Gen Xers requires a shift in how we design spaces and experiences. It means creating communities that enable choice, support autonomy, foster intergenerational connection, and inspire residents to participate. How to do this?
Here are some thoughts:
Residents often view themselves as youthful, energetic, and far from retirement age in the traditional sense, so appeal to them by showing them a community that is vibrant and full of life. That means including modern, resort-style amenities such as state-of-the-art fitness and wellness centers, dog parks and walking trails, bike paths and outdoor recreation areas, coffee shops, pubs, and wine bars, media lounges and theaters, full-service spas and salons, art studios and creative spaces. Find out from residents and prospects what activities, hobbies, and events interest them and connect them with these early on. Introduce them to others who share their interests, create clubs or meet-up groups, and have multiple ways to promote activities and events.
Recognize that personal growth and change don’t stop at 65 (or even 75). Build spaces that evolve with residents, including vibrant, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed environments that celebrate life at every stage. Consider how the cottage home design can accommodate residents as their ability to function independently diminishes. Incorporate safety measures, such as railings and grab bars, into the design to make them more visually appealing and less aesthetically invasive. Ensure hallways are well-lit, flooring is slip-proof, and outdoor spaces are free of tripping hazards. Make it as easy as possible for residents to socialize and participate in activities, even if their mobility is limited.
Enable easy access to transportation. Ensure adequate and convenient parking, shuttle buses, connection with ride services, and golf carts that make it easy for residents to get around the community and leave the property for shopping, dining, and entertainment. These will enable and encourage people to socialize, connect, and stay involved in the world around them.
Realize that not everyone only wants to associate with their peers. Intergenerational living situations and amenities such as fitness, dining, and entertainment venues include people of all ages, allowing a broader, more vibrant connection. Consider kid-friendly spaces for family activities, apartments where college students can stay in return for volunteer work, onsite or virtual classes with local schools and community organizations, and programs such as mentorships, community gardens, and charity events that bring people together with common goals and interests.
Allow for privacy. There is a difference between loneliness and enjoying time alone. Design amenities like serenity rooms, meditation gardens, and private patios where residents can take time for themselves. Have activity rooms that enable residents to comfortably observe before they engage, and create grab-and-go dining options for residents who want to eat in private.
Ensure access to technology that enables residents to engage virtually. While there is no substitute for human touch, the opportunity to connect virtually is imperative, particularly for older adults who have transportation or mobility challenges. Make sure your community has adequate Wi-Fi and internet capabilities, plus consider amenities such as “Zoom rooms” and media centers, onsite (or nearby) tech support, and pop-up shops for tech devices and accessories.
The WHO states, “A wide variety of face-to-face or digital interventions have been developed to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older people. These include social skills training, community and support groups, befriending, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Creating more age-friendly communities by improving access to transportation, information, and communication technologies can also help reduce social isolation and loneliness.”
Of course, a design that engages residents and facilitates socialization is key to preventing or alleviating loneliness. However, this doesn’t mean a one-size-fits-all approach. Pi Architects listens to residents, encourages feedback, and involves residents, stakeholders, and staff in program development and community renovations. Pi understands that this contributes to the mental, physical, and spiritual health of those living and working in senior living communities. Let Pi help you plan your next design!
Pi Architects | Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.
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