Faculty Publications

Accomodating 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

Journal of Housing for the Elderly

Volume

19

Issue

3-4

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. Copyright © by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Department

Department of Design, Textiles, Gerontology, and Family Studies

Original Publication Date

12-1-2005

DOI of published version

10.1300/J081v19n03_07

Link to Full Text

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