Behaviors of the Elderly at Shopping Malls and Facility Management to Address Their Needs

Abstract

This research aims to study the demographic, social, economic, health, and behavior data of the elderly who spend their time at shopping malls. It also examines the physical condition of shopping malls’ interiors in relation to the ministerial regulation prescribing accessible facilities for persons with disabilities and the elderly B.E. 2548 (2005), as well as analyzing the management of the space to suit the use by elderly in Bangkok. Structured interviews and onsite surveys were employed for the sampled groups at MBK Center and Chamchuri Square. The findings showed the key quality that attracts the seniors to the shopping malls are their locations. The majority of the seniors spending time at the shopping malls are of retirement age (60 – 69 years) who often are found gathered in areas with more seats and without a time limit (e.g., food court), talking with friends, shopping, and relaxing. Overall physical conditions of the shopping malls were properly organized for elderly people as seen from availability of ramps, escalators, elevators. This research includes suggestions including: operators should design and improve facilities in accordance with the ministerial regulation prescribing accessible facilities for persons with disabilities and the elderly B.E. 2548 (2005). The operator may consider setting up some co-working spaces to be specific areas for the elderly during times when they use the space in large numbers; or make it an intergenerational space suitable for the elderly and children to proactively create a point of sale for the mall.