1. Arquitectura para el cambio demográfico: el reto no reconocido.
- Author
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Álvarez González, Miguel Ángel
- Subjects
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ARCHITECTURAL design , *DEMOGRAPHY , *OLDER people , *QUALITY of life , *YOUNG adults , *CITIES & towns , *SPACE (Architecture) , *LIFE expectancy , *NURSING care facilities , *SHARED workspaces - Abstract
The article "Architecture for demographic change: the unrecognized challenge" talks about how architecture and design have identified elderly users as a population with disabilities or physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. However, due to improvements in healthcare and quality of life, life expectancy has increased and it is expected that the population over 80 years old will significantly increase in the coming years. Additionally, there is a growing number of older adults who maintain functionality and remain economically and professionally active. To address this demographic issue, the World Health Organization has declared the Decade of Healthy Aging. It is necessary to overcome the stereotypical prejudice of ageism and prepare for inclusive architecture that considers workspaces for the majority of elderly citizens with healthy aging who will work connected to digital interfaces. The concept of geriatric architecture focuses on spaces such as nursing homes, hospitals, and other places designed for wheelchair mobility and the use of elevators and specialized furniture. This is because aging is associated with frailty and vulnerability to diseases and accidents. However, due to improvements in health and quality of life, life expectancy has increased, leading to an increase in the proportion of older adults who maintain functionality and remain economically active. The World Health Organization has declared the decade from 2020 to 2030 as the Decade of Healthy Aging to address this demographic issue. Autonomy and ableism are central characteristics of healthy aging, and it is necessary to overcome ageism-related prejudices to create inclusive architecture that adapts to the needs of older adults working with digital interfaces. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2023