Martin Williams of Saunders explores why it’s integral to build in facilities which promote movement and activity for residents.
The pandemic has meant many of the retired population have needed to remain in their homes for safety, sometimes meaning that they have no access to external space, and this is especially relevant in Assisted Living and the Care Home settings. Even the one outing per day during lockdown will have helped the mental and physical wellbeing of the wider population, so how do residents fair within the care sector environments and are they offering adequate physical activity within the senior living sector? It is, perhaps a good time to start looking at how we promote and integrate exercise into the buildings themselves through careful design inside and out.
From the outset we should be approaching design for later living differently, ensuring that these spaces promote, encourage and are conducive to regular appropriate exercise.
The general provision in my opinion, especially in converted care facilities, is fairly poor with little or no facilities provided. Some do have small gardens to sit in and also have aerobic exercise classes provided by visiting specialist trainers which are useful but it is not really enough. Many of the higher-end care homes provide gyms, sometimes swimming pools and bowls facilities as well as extensive gardens which are similar to the provision in luxury hotels but these are the exception.
At Saunders we have considerable experience of designing retirement villages and ‘Later Living’ schemes always striving to incorporate adequate external space and landscaping to encourage regular appropriate exercise where possible for residents. However, the assisted living and dementia care sectors are more challenging as more medical attention is required, and opportunities can be more limited but this is still possible and encouraged for general health and mental well-being. Family involvement here can be crucial but is hugely beneficial if this is possible.
‘Trim trail’ paths with benches or specimen shrubs as distance markers are really help to encourage exercise with a sense of achievement by increasing distance. Captain Tom’s recent walk around his garden is a great example. Raised flower beds designed for residents to safely get involved in gardening is also another very simple idea to encourage gentle exercise. Benches and covered areas for rest are also important. Exercise can be a great communal activity so flexible space to accommodate several residents at one time will encourage this.
Easy access and the correct placement of these facilities is crucial and has to be carefully considered. There are some very simple solutions as described but exercise for the elderly population should be as much a way of life as it should be for all of us.
Provision needs to be flexible and adaptable depending on health and capabilities and can be inexpensive but should be part of the overall design from the outset. These opportunities are imperative will help prevent illness and extend and improve the quality of life for the elderly.