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.
