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Full text of this paper is not available in the ETD Center. Copies may be available for inter-library loan from University of Cincinnati or may be available for purchase from Proquest/UMI

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ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

LITTLE, LINDA KATHLEEN
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020256079

Abstract Details

2002, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Psychology.
When physical and social aspects of the environment facilitate social interaction, individuals aged 65 and older, are more likely to maintain independent functioning. The National Council on Aging and independent architects and designers have identified criteria and guidelines for building facilities that adequately address the complex needs of older people. This study evaluated compliance with criteria, usage, and frequency and proportion of social interaction in common-use areas in an independent-living residential facility. Each area was assigned to one of four categories: (1) High-use and High criteria- compliant (HH); (2) High-use and Low criteria-compliant, (HL); (3) Low-use and High criteria-compliant (LH); (4) Low-use and Low criteria-compliant, (LL). Analyses identified area frequency of use as the primary positive influence on frequency and proportion of social interaction. The highest frequency of social interaction was obtained in high-use, low-criteria (HL) areas, many of which were the sites of "necessary" compared to optional activities. Fifty-five percent of the observations included some form of social interaction the most common of which was a reciprocal conversation (76%). Greetings and conversations represented distinct forms of social interaction. Fifty three percent of the observations were of monads, engaging in social interaction 43% of the time. Although half as common, dyads engaged in social interaction 77% of the time.
Dr. William Meyers (Advisor)
1 p.
Design and Decorative Arts
social interaction; environmental design; evaluation of the environment; retirement community

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • LITTLE, L. K. (2002). ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020256079

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • LITTLE, LINDA. ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS. 2002. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020256079.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • LITTLE, LINDA. "ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SOCIAL INTERACTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1020256079

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1020256079
© 2002, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.