Introduction

The demographic landscape of New Zealand is undergoing significant transformation, particularly

with regards to the aging population. The population within these older age groups is projected to
potentially increase to 1.3 million by approximately 2040, and to 1.5 million by the 2050s. (Statistics -
New Zealand, 2021). As a result, addressing the housing needs and living arrangements for seniors
becomes increasingly pertinent against the backdrop of high housing demand and inadequate
facilities. It must be comprehensively tackle this challenge to ensure that senior residents experience
both physical and psychological well-being as they age in place. While the physiological needs of
seniors are often considered in architectural needs, it is a question that emotional and psychological
aspects have received the same attention in architectural design.

In the context of architectural design for elderly residents, it is essential to consider the emotional
and psychological wellbeing of this population. Research has shown that factors such as social
support, family relations, and exposure to green spaces significantly impact the psychological
wellbeing of the elderly (Zunzunegui et al., 2001) For instance, studies have highlighted the positive
effects of children's emotional and instrumental support on the psychological wellbeing of elderly
parents, particularly during challenging life transitions like widowhood or declining health.
(Zunzunegui et al., 2001). Furthermore, the physical environment also plays a vital role in the
emotional wellbeing of the elderly. Research indicates that exposure to green spaces in residential
neighbourhoods can lead to higher subjective wellbeing among the elderly.(Su & Zhou,
2022) Addressing emotional and psychological well-being in architectural design for elderly residents
is essential for promoting a higher quality of life, fostering social interaction, and supporting healthy
aging in place.

The purpose of this literature review is twofold: firstly, to identify and understand emotional and
psychological wellbeing in elderly residents and understand the role of architecture in enhancing
Emotional and Psychological Well-being in Elderly Residents. Secondly, to explore existing and
potential architectural strategies, related theories and case studies that can be utilized to enhance
the emotional and psychological well-being of elderly residents within these environments. Through
this review, insights will be gained to inform the design of more supportive and inclusive housing
options tailored to the unique needs of the elderly population in New Zealand.

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Well-being in Elderly Residents

Psychological and emotional wellbeing are essential aspects of an individual's mental health and
overall quality of life. Psychological wellbeing refers to an individual's condition of experiencing life
positively, encompassing factors such as self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relations with
others, autonomy, and personal growth.(Fredrickson, 2001) Conversely, emotional wellbeing
involves the proficient management and expression of emotions, leading to feelings of happiness
and contentment. (Courtwright et al., 2019)

The literature gathered from the most recent studies, up to March 2024, provide abundant insights
into the emotional and psychological challenges encountered by elderly individuals within residential
environments, with a particular focus on retirement villages. Through systematic searches across
multiple databases including PubMed and Google Scholar, studies addressing keywords such as
“satisfaction”, “challenges”, and “problems faced by the elderly in residential settings” have been
identified.

Elderly individuals residing in residential environments, particularly retirement villages, encounter

various psychological and emotional challenges that significantly impact their well-being. These
challenges include a pervasive awareness of mortality, leading to constant reminders of the finite
nature of life.(Chandler & Robinson, 2014) Moreover, many elderly residents experience profound
feelings of isolation and disconnection from society, exacerbated by social divisions within the village
and a perceived lack of spontaneity and vibrancy (Chandler & Robinson, 2014). Retirement villages
are often stigmatized as "grey ghettos," characterized by a fortress mentality and an artificial
environment devoid of youthfulness (Chandler & Robinson, 2014). Such perceptions contribute to a
sense of dissatisfaction and disconnection among residents, akin to the experience of being in
boarding school(Ferguson et al., 2023). Additionally, factors such as loss of independence, lack of
privacy, and a perception of retirement villages as exclusively for older individuals further compound
these challenges (Crisp et al., 2013). Concerns about death, uncertainty about the future, and fears
associated with end-of-life transitions contribute to a pervasive sense of anxiety and distress among
elderly residents (Lewis et al., 2022). Despite opportunities for social interaction within retirement
communities, many residents still grapple with social isolation, complex social divisions, and
difficulties in forming meaningful friendships(Nielson et al., 2019). These experiences shape negative
attitudes towards aging and exacerbate feelings of exclusion and marginalization(Nielson et al.,
2019). Furthermore, transitions to higher-level support accommodation present additional
challenges, including the loss of mobility, independence, and a sense of detachment from one's
physical surroundings (Hayward, 2012).

The challenges outlined, such as a pervasive awareness of mortality, feelings of isolation and
disconnection from society, loss of independence and privacy, concerns about death and end-of-life
transitions, social isolation and difficulty forming meaningful friendships, negative attitudes towards
aging, and the loss of mobility and detachment from surroundings, all directly relate to the
psychological and emotional well-being of elderly individuals in residential environments. These
challenges can contribute to increased levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and feelings of
worthlessness, ultimately affecting the overall psychological health of elderly residents.

Factors influencing emotional and psychological well-being in elderly residents are multifaceted and
encompass various critical aspects that directly impact their mental health and overall quality of life.
Social support plays a pivotal role in promoting emotional well-being among the elderly, with strong
social networks providing companionship, emotional support, and a sense of belonging, which can
help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation(Chen & Silverstein, 2000) The physical environment
within residential settings significantly influences psychological well-being. Access to green spaces,
natural light, and well-designed communal areas can enhance mood, reduce stress levels, and
promote relaxation and well-being among elderly residents. (Netz et al., 2005) According toZhong et
al. (2021), the study highlights that among various residential environments, factors such as greening
quality, acoustic environment, and environmental cleanliness significantly impact the emotional
well-being of elderly residents. Maintaining autonomy and independence is vital for preserving
psychological well-being in older adults. Having opportunities for personal choice, control over daily
activities, and decision-making contributes to a sense of self-worth and satisfaction(Hill et al., 2015)
A sense of purpose is essential for psychological well-being in the elderly. Engaging in meaningful
activities, hobbies, and interests fosters a sense of fulfillment and identity, promoting positive
mental health outcomes(Boyle et al., 2010)
Moreover, Engaging in religious activities and spiritual encounters are common among elderly
individuals and correlate with increased social connections and improved mental well-being, and to
some degree, enhanced physical health.(Koenig et al., 2004)

In conclusion, a holistic approach that considers social, environmental, personal, and cultural factors
is essential for promoting emotional and psychological well-being in elderly residents. By addressing
these various factors, tailored interventions can be developed to enhance the overall well-being and
quality of life of the elderly population.

The Role of Architecture in Enhancing Emotional and Psychological Well-being

Architecture plays a vital role in enhancing emotional and psychological well-being by creating
environments that promote comfort, tranquillity, and connection. A study by Huang et al. (2021)
elucidates the substantial benefits of urban green spaces on mental health, particularly in low-
density residential areas, showcasing how these spaces facilitate stress recovery and attention
restoration. McCartan et al. (2023) delves into the positive effects of green and blue spaces on
mental well-being, emphasizing the restorative influence of nature on psychological health and
advocating for routine access to outdoor environments for mental health service users Brown and
Ryan (2003) highlight mindfulness's pivotal role in enhancing psychological well-being, advocating
for its integration into architectural designs through features such as quiet contemplation areas or
meditation spaces. According to Evans (2003)the built environment impacts mental health both
directly and indirectly, as it can alter psychosocial processes known to affect mental well-being, such
as personal control, social relationships, and stress recovery, highlighting the significance of the
physical environment in promoting mental health. Overall, prioritizing elements that promote well-
being in the design of spaces holds the potential to positively impact the emotional and
psychological health of individuals and communities alike.

In designing architectural spaces to promote the well-being of elderly, the spatial layout and design
are pivotal factors. In addressing the psychological and emotional wellbeing of the elderly,
architectural design and layout play a critical role in meeting the social sustainability aspect of
sustainability(Peters, 2016). By considering elements such as accessibility, natural light, and social
spaces in architectural planning, the design can significantly impact the mental health and overall
quality of life of the elderly population. According to (Leung et al., 2016), the layout and design of
indoor facilities significantly impact the quality of life of the elderly. Specifically, space planning,
bathroom design, electricity, noise levels, and supporting facilities like windows and doors play
crucial roles in influencing various domains of quality of life such as physical and psychological
health, independence, living environment, and social relationships among the elderly.
 source Search terms hits Eligible
after pre
selection

Google ("elderly" OR "seniors" OR "older adults") AND 34

scholar,Pubme ("residential settings" OR "retirement villages" OR
d "assisted living") AND ("problems" OR "challenges" OR
"difficulties") OR "satisfaction” OR “importance”

Google (Elderly OR seniors OR 'older adults') AND

scholar,Pubme (Architecture AND ('psychological wellbeing' OR
d 'emotional wellbeing')) AND (Enhance OR
improvement) AND (Residential OR 'retirement village'
OR 'nursing home' OR 'assisted living') AND 'spatial
layout' OR 'socialization spaces' OR 'nature integration'
OR 'lighting design' OR 'color psychology')

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