Faculty Publications

Accommodating Culturally Meaningful Activities In Outdoor Settings For Older Adults

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Culture, Health care settings, Nature-related activities, Older adults

Journal/Book/Conference Title

The Role of the Outdoors in Residential Environments for Aging

First Page

109

Last Page

140

Abstract

A growing multicultural aging population necessitates an examination of the cultural responsiveness of American healthcare environments in enabling successful aging experiences. Environment-behavior studies establish positive effects of natural environments on the well-being of older adults. This study explored cultural differences in nature-related activities among Hispanic and Anglo-American elderly using six photographs of nature settings to elicit nature-related preferences and experiences. Findings indicate that Hispanic elderly find ‘furnished’ natural settings more compatible with their preferred activities such as group-oriented socializing while Anglo-American elderly prefer ‘authentic’ natural settings for preferred activities such as quiet reflection. Culture specific programming and design implications are discussed.

Department

School of Applied Human Sciences

Original Publication Date

1-1-2013

DOI of published version

10.4324/9780203820193

Link to Full Text

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