Issues and Needs of Elderly in Community Facilities and Services: A Case Study of Urban Housing Projects in Bangkok, Thailand

Wiruj Somsopon, Sohee Minsun Kim, Vilas Nitivattananon, Kyoko Kusakabe and Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen
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Wiruj Somsopon: Urban Innovation and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Sohee Minsun Kim: Urban Innovation and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Vilas Nitivattananon: Urban Innovation and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Kyoko Kusakabe: Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen: Development Planning Management and Innovation, School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-23

Abstract: Thailand is projected to become a “super-aged” society in 2050, with more than 35 percent of the population aged 60 or above. The aging population represents enormous challenges in supporting the elderly’s needs in terms of living environment and well-being. Providing community facilities and services that foster healthy aging in urban residential areas ensures that older adults feel comfortable aging in their homes or communities. Therefore, this research study includes a comprehensive assessment of the needs of elderly people that used community facilities and services using a focus group interview, a site investigation, and a questionnaire survey in five urban housing projects in Bangkok. The study reveals that the need for community facilities and services, such as green spaces, safety facilities, and medical services, was prioritized by the majority of elderly respondents, especially those who were ambulant and active. Elderly people’s income and health status, the provision of community facilities and services for the elderly, and the usability and accessibility of community facilities were found to be key factors that affected elderly people’s satisfaction and participation in social activities. As reported in the literature, an elderly-friendly living environment should support social activities in the open spaces of residential areas. It is revealed by the study that green spaces, safety facilities, elderly clubs, medical and long-term care services, and social activity arrangement services were instrumental for elderly people’s social and health status; therefore, these should be considered by housing developers and facility managers.

Keywords: age-friendly community; aging society; community facilities and services; urban housing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (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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