The Role of Design Factors of the Residential Environment in the Physical and Mental Health of the Elderly

This study examined the relationship between selected dimensions of architectural design and measures of physical and mental health and morale among 171 elderly residents of congregate public housing and private housing. Several indices of social interaction were also investigated as possible mediators of the effects of the design factors on health. Design factors included congregate public housing versus private housing; high-rise versus low-rise; floor level; position on corridor; length of corridor; distance from elevator; number of bedrooms; and home ownership versus renting. Residents of congregate housing, high-rise buildings and those living at the end sections of corridors were found to be significantly higher in morale, but not in physical or mental health. Social interaction was not found to contribute significantly to this relationship.