What housing characteristics support seniors? Seniors’ experiences of housing and home in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic
International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis
ISSN: 1753-8270
Article publication date: 16 January 2023
Issue publication date: 21 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore what can be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about adaptable, functional housing design that supports seniors’ resilience. This paper considers how physical and design features enable seniors to stay safe, develop coping strategies, give and receive care and maintain social connections.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research strategy incorporating thematic analysis was used, involving interviews and one focus group with seniors and interviews with housing providers and community organisations supporting seniors. Forty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 seniors aged over 60 years living independently, not in aged care. Interviewees were selected to cover a range of ages and housing circumstances. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 20 organisations.
Findings
The physical, amenity and design aspects of the living environment that support seniors’ well-being and resilience during a pandemic are: the ability to receive essential goods and services in the home; sufficient space and storage; flexible and adaptable living spaces; access to private indoor and outdoor space; ability to garden and grow food; having an outlook or view; functional heating, ventilation and appliances; and dwelling location allowing access to green spaces, food stores and services. The ability of housing to facilitate social connections is a fundamental enabler of seniors’ resilience.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to knowledge about physical and design aspects of the dwelling that enable protection and care in a pandemic and how that can help to future-proof housing. Its focus on enabling seniors’ resilience through housing recognises the growing significance of structural population ageing for housing design and delivery and the central role of housing to ageing-in-place policies that underpin health and welfare provision.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank the seniors and organisations who participated in this study. The constructive feedback and suggestions from anonymous reviewers are also appreciated. Funding for this study was provided by the Affordable Housing for Generations Research Programme, Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge, through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Ethics approval for the research was given by the New Zealand Ethics Committee.
Citation
James, B.L. (2023), "What housing characteristics support seniors? Seniors’ experiences of housing and home in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic", International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 552-574. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHMA-08-2022-0124
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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