Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
Abstract
The rapid growth of the elderly population and demographic transition have increased the need for living environments that address older adults’ physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. As older adults spend much of their lives within the built environment, architectural design significantly influences their health, independence, safety, and quality of life. Architecture is not merely a physical setting for activities; it also shapes behavior and supports healthy aging. Well-designed environments can encourage activity, preserve functional abilities, strengthen social participation, and enable independent self-care. This study investigates the role of architecture and the built environment in promoting self-care behaviors among older adults by examining relationships between architectural design principles and dimensions of self-care. It explores how environmental design can enhance quality of life, maintain autonomy, reduce dependence on others, and support physical and mental well-being. Emphasis is placed on accessibility, environmental safety, continuity of movement, spatial legibility, functional flexibility, opportunities for social interaction, and integration with natural elements. These principles are essential characteristics of age-friendly environments that encourage healthy behaviors and active aging. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical method based on an extensive literature review concerning aging, self-care, and architectural design. To identify design indicators, national and international case studies of elderly-oriented architectural projects were analyzed and compared. The cases were evaluated according to their capacity to address the physical, psychological, and social needs of older adults and facilitate self-care through environmental design. Comparative analysis enabled the extraction of architectural concepts and qualities contributing to self-care behaviors. The findings indicate that environments designed according to human-centered and age-friendly principles improve self-care by encouraging physical activity, reducing stress, increasing the sense of control over the environment, strengthening social interaction, and maintaining connections with nature. Clear spatial organization, safe circulation, flexible functional arrangements, and opportunities for community participation enhance older adults’ confidence, and sense of empowerment. The results demonstrate that architecture plays a strategic role in empowering older adults by creating environments that support independence and healthy lifestyles. Integrating self-care principles into architectural design provides an effective framework for improving older adults’ quality of life and developing sustainable, inclusive, supportive environments for an aging society.
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