Research and Design of Public Spaces for Elderly People in Rural Areas

With the progress of society and economic development, China has reached an aging population. According tothe Chinese population census data, China has entered the second stage of an aging population society and has become one of the countries with the fastest growth rate of the elderly population in the world. It is expected that the elderly population in China will reach 250 million within the next fifteen years and exceed 450 million by 2050. Additionally, China is a country with uneven development between urban and rural areas. Many young and middle-aged people choose to work in cities, which leads to most rural residents being elderly. Thus, the phenomenon of the elderly living alone by themselves occurs. Therefore, the government and related experts are increasingly concerned about the physical and mental health of the elderly. The establishment of the elderly activity center is to meet the needs of the elderly cultural life, improve the level of elderly physical and mental health, and promote the harmonious development of the countryside. Many countries aware of this problem would emphasize park construction and nursing home design for the needs of the elderly. However, little research are performed on the activity center and public spaces for the elderly in underdeveloped rural areas. Design countermeasures of the public space should consider the physical, psychological, and behavioral needs of the elderly. This study summarizes the influencing factors, design principles, and design methods of public spaces to effectively meet the needs of the elderly for public activities. By creating and improving public social spaces suitable for the elderly in rural areas, the elderly can lead a comfortable life and solve loneliness issues.