Abstract
The increase in the aging population who require care has created a growing demand for housing that can support their independence and wellbeing. As loss of meaningful social connection is a common occurrence in advanced age, its maintenance has been identified as a fundamental contributor to ongoing quality of life (QoL). This article examines the relationship between theories of person-environment (P-E) fit and QoL focusing on the role of the built environment in facilitating social connectedness. Through an ethnographical investigation, the lived experiences and spatial use of 30 older adults with care needs, living in seniors housing complexes in New Zealand were collected through semi-structured interviews and daytime observations. Analysis based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis revealed four core themes for meaningful social connections that were influenced by the housing environment, namely, accommodating personal guests, living as a couple, maintaining relationships with neighbors, and keeping connections to the wider community. The research highlights the diverse social needs of this cohort due to life situations and functional ability. It emphasizes the need for a good P-E fit, as circumstances change with particular attention to the multifaceted influence of housing environments on QoL.
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Notes
Personal care refers to assistance in six types of daily activities: bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, moving from bed to wheelchair/chair, walking indoors and eating.
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Both authors contributed to the study conception and design. Data collection wasere conducted by YK. The analysis was conducted by YK and verified by JM. The manuscript was drafted by YK and edited by JM. Both authors re-reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
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Appendix: Data sheets
Appendix: Data sheets
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Example of coding data from semi-structured interviews
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Example of coding data from observation
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Kuboshima, Y., McIntosh, J. The impact of housing environments on social connection: an ethnographic investigation on quality of life for older adults with care needs. J Hous and the Built Environ 38, 1353–1383 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-022-09999-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-022-09999-1