Abode for the elderly, Bhopal

Abstract

As a society we have turned aging into a threat. With a person getting retired from the job, he or she is considered obsolete. In further years these changes are generally known as ‘Age Loss Continuum’, this phenomena suggests slow changes over years. With the onset of these physiological and psychological changes an elderly person needs constant attention, affection, and support from the family and society. Due to the prejudiced notion of elderly being obsolete and inactive consumers of the economy they are often ill treated by the family members themselves who cannot afford their expenses or time. This abandoned older population is left to live in old age homes or elderly stays. From the time being abandoned to the time when they start their new life at such old age they inhabit some serious psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Living in an old age home surrounded by the people who experienced the similar fate often unite This research aims at understanding the different scenarios of old age living in India and how socializing, sympathizing and empathizing with fellow mates in an old age home can enhance and improve the psychological strains an elderly might possess. The report contains study of recreational spaces in three different old age livings from different parts of India. The understanding of psychology of elderly, regarding recreational spaces, their preferences and design of such spaces which promote their social behaviour and bonding. The result obtained are some guidelines and suggestions for designing of recreational spaces for the elderly so as to free their mind from the clogging of sadness, giving them better opportunities to socialize and mellowing down their negative thoughts.