Housing design and improvements for the elderly population in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand’s elderly population ratio is continuously growing, affecting the safety and suitable residential environments. Following this trend’s impact, there is a need to evaluate and improve housing patterns to accommodate changing needs. In addition, this article aims to experiment and create a prototype of remodeling housing units according to the universal design suitable for the elderly population in Thailand. The guidelines for improvements are developed based on the characteristics of each elderly, which are differentiated in mobility limitations and the financial potential of each elderly group that can afford it. The guidelines for conducting this study are divided into three steps; (1) the pre-design stage to study secondary data and collect primary data, (2) the design stage to create a prototype of remodeling housing units according to the universal design suitable for the elderly population in Thailand, and (3) the post-design stage to collect data on living conditions and assessment of financial ability through a survey method using questionnaires and a descriptive statistics method. The results of the experiment on the improvement of a housing unit based on the universal design could solve the fall problem, usability, and accessibility for the elderly population in Thailand. Consequently, the elderly had greater satisfaction with improved quality of life. Furthermore, the study also indicates that the average monthly income and the expense of the elderly in different residential settings influence the choice of building materials of varying quality.