Enriched Environments for Healthy Aging: Qualities of Seniors Housing Designs Promoting Brain and Cognitive Health.

Problem: By the year 2050, nearly one in four people in the world will be over the age of 60. Cognitive functioning is the strongest predictor of a person's ability to maintain independence through activities of daily living. Seniors housing designs do not typically consider users' cognitive health. The Resolution: We link high-quality experimental research in neuroscience and architectural design through the neuroscience concept of Enriched Environments to support long-term maintenance of cognitive performance and neural health in the older population. Tips for Success: Designing seniors housing to promote neurocognitive health requires a sufficient level of environmental complexity, achieved by providing "enriched" spaces that are physically, socially, and cognitively stimulating. Enriched Environments offer therapeutic challenge, complementing universal designs that emphasize accessibility through minimal environmental challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]