The Ancient Town Residential Environment of the Elderly in Xiangxi Tujia: Survey, Questions, and Recommendations

Fupeng Zhang, Lei Shi, Simian Liu (), Jiaqi Shi (), Mengfei Cheng and Tansheng Xiang
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Fupeng Zhang: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Lei Shi: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Simian Liu: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Jiaqi Shi: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Mengfei Cheng: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Tansheng Xiang: School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-25

Abstract: This study uses behavioral observation, interviews, and questionnaire research to investigate the residential environment. It also evaluates the elderly in four representative ancient towns of Xiangxi, namely, Liye Ancient Town, Furong Ancient Town, Liexi Ancient Town, and Xichehe Ancient Town. It includes indoor air (CO 2 , PM 2.5 , PM 10 ) and light intensity monitoring for the residential environment. The results showed that the elderly had a significant sense of frustration and loneliness. Of the elderyly, 70% believed the current living environment had an impact on healthy living, and 45% believed the safety and convenience of the living environment should be improved. More than 80% of the elderly were dissatisfied with their indoor acoustic environment, and more than 70% were dissatisfied with their home transportation. More than 85% of the elderly considered traditional wooden components and spaces to be the source of cultural identity. Furthermore, the average indoor PM 2.5 concentration during the fire pit fire was 350–600 µg/m 3 , about 4.7–8 times the Chinese standard value. The average concentration of PM 10 in all rooms was more than 400 µg/m 3 , approximately three times the Chinese standard value. Also, targeted environmental improvement strategies were proposed. The study results provided actual information to develop a systematic approach and a targeted design based on the needs to improve the residential environment of the elderly in ancient cities.

Keywords: residential environments; indoor air quality; satisfaction; the elderly; ancient town (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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