Moving and/or adapting the home to age well in place: focus on residential experiences of (future) older people

Abstract

In a broader and more dynamic perspective of “ageing in place,” this chapter explores the residential transitions of current and future older adults (55+) in Wallonia (Belgium), who have relocated and/or adapted their homes for later life. This study examines how older people recreate a state of residential normalcy when their living places change, and what environmental design attributes are involved in this process to achieve wellbeing. Based on semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation conducted with twenty-one participants, this research identifies five key temporalities shaping these experiences: residential time (i.e., supporting transitions throughout life), biological time (i.e., dealing with an ageing body), identity time (i.e., feeling at home), social time (i.e., meeting social needs), and daily time (i.e., spatial features supporting daily wellbeing). The results reveal nuanced and evolving residential needs that go beyond static, one-size-fits-all solutions. They call for a temporally sensitive approach to ageing in place to create environments that support wellbeing throughout the ageing process.