Healthy home keeps spring in the elderly's step<\/p>\n
Nirwono Joga, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Establishing a healthy home for the elderly is something that we
\nshould plan in the present, considering that a recent report from
\nthe World Health Organization estimated the elderly population
\nwould see a 414 percent increase to 22.68 million people by 2020.<\/p>\n
Many researches have shown that healthy homes play a
\nsignificant role in keeping the elderly in good condition --
\nmentally and physically, as most people spend two-thirds of their
\nlives at home.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, there is not many houses with architectural
\ndesigns that take health factors into account.<\/p>\n
Houses for the elderly can be built according to well thought-
\nout designs, remembering to use toxic-free building materials as
\nwell as keeping in mind the elderly's limitations -- such as
\nailments illnesses and deteriorating physical and sometimes
\nmental abilities.<\/p>\n
For the elderly, a home is generally akin to paradise on
\nearth, where they will spend the rest of their lives. And living
\nin healthy homes can motivate them to remain productive and
\nactive.<\/p>\n
Despite space limitations, it is important to ensure the
\navailability of free space -- the house should not cover more
\nthan 60 percent of the total plot. Large front- and backyards
\nshould also be prioritized to ensure an open environment.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the house must be provided with sufficient
\nventilation, windows, skylights and doors to ensure the
\ncirculation of fresh air and penetration of natural light.<\/p>\n
Floors and walls should be treated in tune with the interior
\ndesign, giving the impression that the room is larger than its
\nactual size. Such an impression can also be created by placing a
\nlarge mirror on the wall.<\/p>\n
If the house is located close to a busy road, a noise-free
\ndesign should be adopted, for example the erection of a walled
\nfence, a low hedge or a lush garden.<\/p>\n
Bedrooms for elderly residents should be placed as far from
\nthe source of noise as possible, with windows and doors that do
\nnot directly face the source. The number of bathrooms and toilets
\nshould meet the needs of the elderly, since it will take them
\nextra energy to shuttle back and forth.<\/p>\n
Expensive materials are not necessary to make a healthy home
\nlook attractive. Bricks, stones or concrete bricks are good wall
\nmaterials, while extra care must be paid in constructing the
\nwall.<\/p>\n
Paint is another important factor in building a healthy home
\nfor the elderly.<\/p>\n
Cool colors, like greens and blues, will give the impression
\nof quietness or calmness, an atmosphere that will allow residents
\nto relax and unwind. These colors are suitable for the front and
\nback terraces, as well as the study and bedrooms.<\/p>\n
Warm colors -- yellows, oranges and reds -- will generate a
\nwarm and happy feeling, energizing residents to carry out light
\nactivities like exercises, house cleaning and cooking. These
\ncolors are good for the living room, dining room, kitchen and
\nbathroom.<\/p>\n
Lighter shades of these bright colors and white will lend a
\nsoft and warm atmosphere to the home.<\/p>\n
Walls along the corridor of the house can also be used to give
\na homey touch to the surroundings, such as in hanging family
\nphotographs, paintings and other decorations that conform to the
\noverall design. These objects will also provide comfort to the
\nresidents.<\/p>\n
The back terrace might turn out to be the most favorite place
\nfor the elderly, since it will be where they meet relatives and
\nclose friends. Facing a neatly arranged garden, this terrace can
\nbe designed with antique-style wooden furniture, ceramic floors
\ntiled with terracotta and potted plants to create a natural
\natmosphere.<\/p>\n
With a healthy home, the elderly can live comfortably and in
\ngood physical and mental health, while remaining active.<\/p>\n
-- The writer is a landscape architect.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/healthy-home-keeps-spring-in-the-elderlys-step-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }