SPATIAL STRATEGIES FOR STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION OF OLDER ADULTS IN SHOPPING MALLS

Authors : İmran Kavaz Altun, Bilge Sayıl Onaran

Pages : 144-158

Doi:10.7456/tojdac.1797633

View : 70 | Download : 155

Publication Date : 2026-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Most of the studies conducted to date on the socialization of elderly users have focused on the creation of ideal spaces where older adults can interact exclusively with their own age group. However, designing environments that enable older adults to engage with all segments of society will significantly contribute to social sustainability. This study aims to identify the spatial design features of semi-public interiors that support intergenerational interaction and contribute to the sustainability of socialization. The field study was conducted in a shopping centre located in a densely populated district with a high concentration of elderly people in Ankara. A survey was conducted with 400 elderly people to question the design features of the selected shopping centre and its suitability for social interaction. In the questionnaire study, Kendall\\\'s tau-b correlation test was applied to the data to evaluate the connection between the design features of the space and the level of socialization. When the data obtained from the study were evaluated, it was revealed that elderly individuals, especially when alone in public interior spaces, were influenced by the spatial characteristics of the environment in enhancing their passive and temporary forms of socialization. The survey results indicated that a consciously designed and applied variety of colours, textures, and forms in shopping malls could enhance the spatial perception of elderly users and thereby contribute to different forms of socialization.
Keywords : nesillerarası etkileşim, yaşlı yetişkinler, yarı kamusal iç mekanlar, sosyal sürdürülebilirlik

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