[01] Mihyun Kang, Design, Housing and Merchandising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. [02] Melinda Lyon, Design, Housing and Merchandising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. [03] Jessy Kramp, Applications/Specification Sales, Bell & McCoy Lighting and Control, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.

This study examined the perceptions of older adults concerning which residential design features would be beneficial in senior cohousing. This study sought to understand design features promoting perceived autonomy for older adults. Interviews and a focus group were conducted with a purposive sample of older adults in the Midwest who were in the process of organizing a senior cohousing community. Grounded theory and the computer software NVivo were employed to identify reoccurring themes and design features. Five themes related to residential design for senior cohousing were recognized: Personalization, Social Engagement, Privacy, Universal Design, and Nature Involvement. A total of ten design features were identified: Display Space, Easy Upkeep, Great Room, House Orientation, Front Porch, Patio, Retreat, Space, Barrier Free Environment, Accessible Storage, and Natural Light. This study could be used to further enlighten older adults and the general public to a new alternative for housing in later life.

Aging, Older Adults, Perceived Autonomy, Residential Design Feature, Senior Cohousing

[01] Aging in place. (n. d.). In InformeDesign: Glossary of terms. Retrieved from http://www.informedesign.org/Glossary.aspx?id=2034 [02] Aging in place and senior resources. (n. d.). Retrieved from http://www.seniorresource.com/ageinpl.htm#place [03] Andresen, M., Runge, U., Hoff, M., & Puggaard, L. (2009). Perceived autonomy and activity choices among physically disabled older people in nursing home settings: A randomized trial. Journal of Aging and Health, 21(8), 1133-1158. [04] Blumenstock, C. (2006). Baby boomers are reinventing long-term care. Nursing Homes: Long Term Care Management, 55(11), 22-24. [05] Bronstein, L., Gellis, Z. D., & Kenaley, B. L. (2009). A neighborhood naturally occurring retirement community: Views from providers and residents. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 30(1), 104-112. [06] Danziger, S., & Chaudhury, H. (2009). Older adults’ use of adaptable design features in housing units: An exploratory study. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 23(3), 134-148. [07] Elder cohousing provides new housing option for baby boomers to 'age in community'; Next elder cohousing workshop offered June 23-26, 2005 in Boulder, CO. (2005, May 27). PR Newswire United Business Media. Retrieved from http://www.prnewswire.com/newsreleases/elder-cohousing-provides-new-housing-option-for-baby-boomers-to-age-incommunity-54534932.html [08] Glass, A., & Plaats, R. (2013). A conceptual model for aging better together intentionally. Journal of Aging Studies, 27(4), 428-442. [09] Glass, A. (2013). Lessons learned from a new elder cohousing community. Journal of Housing For the Elderly, 27(4). 348-368. [10] Hwang, E., Cummings, L., Six smith, A., & Six smith, J. (2011). Impacts of home modifications on aging-in-place. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 25(3), 246-257. [11] Hwang, E., Glass, A., Gutzmann, J., & Shin, K. (2008). The meaning of a livable community for older adults in the united states and korea. Journal of Housing For the Elderly, 22(3), 216-239. [12] Kirst, J., & Peck, S. (2010). Older adult relocation: Considerations for nurse practitioners. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 6(3), 206-211. [13] Lang, J., Moore, M., & Harris, A. (2005). Healthy aging: priorities and programs of the centers for disease control and prevention. Generations, 29(2), 24-29. [14] Oswald, F., Wahl, H. W., Schilling, O., Nygren, C., Fänge, A., Six smith, A., . . . Iwarsson, S. (2007). Relationships between housing and healthy aging in very old age. The Gerontologist, 47(1), 96-107. [15] Patteson, J. (2010, July 21). Seniors embrace aging in place; Experts advise homeowners to plan ahead when they remodel. Victoria Times Colonist, p. C8. [16] Peace, S., Holland, C., & Kellaher, L. (2011). 'Option recognition' in later life: Variations on aging in place. Ageing & Society, 31(5), 734-757. [17] Plath, D. (2008). Independence in old age: The route to social exclusion? British Journal of Social Work, 38, 1359-1369. doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcm045 [18] Russ, R. (2009). Emotional wellness needs: Older adults in rural communities. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 101(4), 33-37. [19] Silverberg, K. (2010, October 1). 'Cohousing' adds options for a diverse aging population. Herald-Tribune, p. A.8. [20] Walker, D., & Myrick, F. (2006). Grounded theory: An exploration of process and procedure. Qualitative Health Research, 16(4), 547-559.