Research on the Aging-Friendly Kitchen Based on Space Syntax Theory

Ying Wang, Di Lin and Ze Huang
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Ying Wang: Universal Design Institute, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Di Lin: Universal Design Institute, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Ze Huang: Universal Design Institute, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: As a result of aging populations globally, a growing number of older adults prefer to age in place; therefore, it is essential to study the spatial adaptability of the house. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the efficiency of daily activities and the spatial layout of home kitchens in the elderly population, and to assess the moderating role of cognitive function. Twenty-one elderly participants completed the experiment, including non-cognitively impaired ( n = 12) and cognitively impaired groups ( n = 9). Their home kitchen space was partitioned in plan and elevation based on space syntax theory. They were required to complete three tasks (i.e., an easy task, a medium task, and a difficult task) in their respective kitchens. The relationship between the efficiency of different tasks’ completion and the corresponding kitchen space attributes (integration, mean depth) was examined. The results showed a significant association between the home kitchen space layout of homebound older adults and their kitchen activity efficiency. In addition, a positive moderating effect of cognitive ability was found in the association between moderate and difficult tasks ( p < 0.05), and its effect appeared to be stronger under challenging tasks ( p < 0.01). The results of this study may help provide a basis for future design and optimization of aging-friendly residential spaces.

Keywords: space syntax; older adults; kitchen space; proper aging (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 (2)

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