Identification and Prioritization of Factors for an Adequate Housing Environment: Involvement of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in the Early Stage of a Housing Development Process.

Abstract

Ageing societies are facing major housing challenges. Understanding and addressing older adults' diverse housing needs and preferences are crucial. Having access to suitable and sustainable housing options can improve social cohesion, independence, health, and well-being. Participatory processes in housing development can enhance inclusion and democratic participation. This study uses Ramlösa Port (RP) - an ongoing housing development project of multi-family housing with mixed forms of tenure - as a case to increase the understanding of community involvement and general housing needs and preferences of older adults. The RP will consist of 100 rental apartments, 120 condominiums, and 30 comfort-housing units. The latter is dedicated to older adults. Two researchers, from the fields of arts and sciences of design and health, participated as ongoing evaluators in three workshops together with four staff from the housing developer Lansa Fastigheter (LF), and nine potential RP residents aged 60 years or older. The advantages and disadvantages of placing LFs comfort-housing units in a few separate stairwells or integrating them in the mixed-tenure residential area were identified. Meaningful activities and important housing accessibility and usability issues from the perspective of older adults were elicited. The post-workshop feedback includes the perceptions of both older adults and LF staff, which broadens the understanding and provides future opportunities. There is potential for innovative housing solutions like the RP, promoting health and well-being in shared residential areas.