Bengtsson, Anna
- Department of Landscape Planning Alnarp, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
This study investigated how the outdoor environments at nursing homes for older persons were experienced and used to gain knowledge with implications for design. Focus group methodology was used to explore staff’s view of how the residents experienced and used the outdoors. Two main themes and ten sub-themes were the result when the focus group interviews were analyzed. Theme one, being comfortable in the outdoor environment, describe the residents’ special needs to be able to and dare to use the outdoors. The theme suggests a precautionary design, which promotes security and safety and protects from disturbance and negative impressions. The second main theme, access to surrounding life, describes the residents’ needs for change and variety in the everyday situation and suggests an inspiring design, which promotes stimulation of senses and mind and provides positive impressions.
Keywords
Elderly; older; outdoor environment; health design; universal design; landscape planning
Published in
Journal of Housing for the Elderly
2006, volume: 19, number: 3, pages: 49-69
SLU Authors
Associated SLU-program
Nature experiences and health
UKÄ Subject classification
Environmental Sciences and Nature Conservation
Architecture
Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1300/J081v19n03_04
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/69827