Healthy home keeps spring in the elderly's step

Healthy home keeps spring in the elderly's step

Nirwono Joga, Contributor, Jakarta

Establishing a healthy home for the elderly is something that we
should plan in the present, considering that a recent report from
the World Health Organization estimated the elderly population
would see a 414 percent increase to 22.68 million people by 2020.

Many researches have shown that healthy homes play a
significant role in keeping the elderly in good condition --
mentally and physically, as most people spend two-thirds of their
lives at home.

Unfortunately, there is not many houses with architectural
designs that take health factors into account.

Houses for the elderly can be built according to well thought-
out designs, remembering to use toxic-free building materials as
well as keeping in mind the elderly's limitations -- such as
ailments illnesses and deteriorating physical and sometimes
mental abilities.

For the elderly, a home is generally akin to paradise on
earth, where they will spend the rest of their lives. And living
in healthy homes can motivate them to remain productive and
active.

Despite space limitations, it is important to ensure the
availability of free space -- the house should not cover more
than 60 percent of the total plot. Large front- and backyards
should also be prioritized to ensure an open environment.

Moreover, the house must be provided with sufficient
ventilation, windows, skylights and doors to ensure the
circulation of fresh air and penetration of natural light.

Floors and walls should be treated in tune with the interior
design, giving the impression that the room is larger than its
actual size. Such an impression can also be created by placing a
large mirror on the wall.

If the house is located close to a busy road, a noise-free
design should be adopted, for example the erection of a walled
fence, a low hedge or a lush garden.

Bedrooms for elderly residents should be placed as far from
the source of noise as possible, with windows and doors that do
not directly face the source. The number of bathrooms and toilets
should meet the needs of the elderly, since it will take them
extra energy to shuttle back and forth.

Expensive materials are not necessary to make a healthy home
look attractive. Bricks, stones or concrete bricks are good wall
materials, while extra care must be paid in constructing the
wall.

Paint is another important factor in building a healthy home
for the elderly.

Cool colors, like greens and blues, will give the impression
of quietness or calmness, an atmosphere that will allow residents
to relax and unwind. These colors are suitable for the front and
back terraces, as well as the study and bedrooms.

Warm colors -- yellows, oranges and reds -- will generate a
warm and happy feeling, energizing residents to carry out light
activities like exercises, house cleaning and cooking. These
colors are good for the living room, dining room, kitchen and
bathroom.

Lighter shades of these bright colors and white will lend a
soft and warm atmosphere to the home.

Walls along the corridor of the house can also be used to give
a homey touch to the surroundings, such as in hanging family
photographs, paintings and other decorations that conform to the
overall design. These objects will also provide comfort to the
residents.

The back terrace might turn out to be the most favorite place
for the elderly, since it will be where they meet relatives and
close friends. Facing a neatly arranged garden, this terrace can
be designed with antique-style wooden furniture, ceramic floors
tiled with terracotta and potted plants to create a natural
atmosphere.

With a healthy home, the elderly can live comfortably and in
good physical and mental health, while remaining active.

-- The writer is a landscape architect.