Every birthday people say ‘like fine wine; you’re just getting better with age.’ For today’s seniors that is more than just a saying. As we live longer, we are living better, and ‘wellness’ is replacing the word ‘care’. Independent and assisted living communities are investing in wellness promoting spaces like yoga/meditation rooms and meal options are lighter, fresher and more health conscious. Today we explore this philosophical shift in caring for seniors and residents of assisted living communities.
Biophilic Design: Wellness for Assisted Living
There is a growing emphasis on Biophilia, which is the “love of life and the living world”. We instinctively connect to nature. Biophilic Design focuses on this access to nature, which can improve mental and physical health. This is not just about putting plants in a space. The best way to provide the benefits of the outdoors to seniors, the fresh air, the sunlight and delightful smell of the flowers and trees, is to provide seniors with more access to outdoor spaces. Designing for senior wellness seeks ways to bring the color, the light, all of the sights and sounds of the outdoors to the inside. It is about what will have a positive effect on mood, well-being and healing.
What’s on the surface
Surfaces in senior living are touched a lot. There is mounting evidence that germs and serious illnesses grow on surfaces. Wood surfaces are susceptible to scuffs and scratches and with more cleaning, those surfaces become more porous. Kwalu’s award winning, technologically advanced and impact resistant surfaces withstand rigorous cleaning and look like new for a decade or longer. As potentially weakened immune systems in senior living communities may interact with solid surfaces daily, it is important the surfaces meet this high standard as a catalyst to better senior health and wellness.
Designed for activity
If seniors remain active in their spaces, they feel better and feeling better is the foundation of wellness. In addition to physical therapy rooms and fitness centers, senior living communities are designing theaters, excellent spas and salons. Rooftop terraces are becoming popular, creating social gathering places for fresh air and conversation. Water is calming and invigorating, so indoor and outdoor lap pools provide the perfect all over workout, while fountains offer a tranquil place to relax.
