A Residential Design Prototype to Support Emotional Wellbeing of China’s Urban Empty-Nest Elderly

Li, Jiachao

Savannah, Georgia: Savannah College of Art and Design

2019-11

Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Interior Design

Savannah College of Art and Design -- Department of Interior Design

Includes bibliographical references (pages 37-38)

"Along with the implementation of the one-child policy and the occurrence of China’s economic reform and industrialization, traditional family structures, housing, and elderly care models have evolved. In 2030, 250 million middle-aged inhabitants will become the first generation of empty-nest elderly (ENE) in China. Understanding that ENE’s emotional health can be affected by lack of family support and interaction, this study aims to understand how middle-aged and elderly people perceive family interactions and emotional demands in the residential environment and identify interior design attributes that can positively contribute to minimizing loneliness. This study draws from three distinct research methods: an activity log, an observation, and an interview. The findings from this study will provide interior design suggestions that can contribute to the ENE’s emotional health and help empty-nest families positively face these new challenges."

*Keywords: aging-in-place, empty-nest, emotional health, family interaction

CHAIR: Letourneau, Monica

Boehm, Sarah

Ngo, Huy Sinh

English

Interior Design

Text

PDF : 45 pages, color illustrations, plans

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