VIRTUAL: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

As the world adjusts to the changes caused by the global pandemic that altered the course of our lives, one of these issues that needs the attention most is how the aging populations are planning for the future. According to WHO by 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over which has become an increasing concern. The pandemic social interaction restrictions have adversely affected the social contact and physical activity of the senior adults as they were confined within their homes and faced isolation. This research focuses on the latest trends in senior living communities during the post-pandemic era and assesses the well-being of the elderly concerning the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) building standard. The study looked at the various works of literature and case studies on existing senior living communities, (in the USA and South Korea) which received WELL certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) building standard as well as non-certified senior living communities. The analysis of the case studies showed that senior adults may prefer to live in senior living communities as it gives them a chance to socially interact with their age fellows along with various age groups as well as these communities are designed for their physical and mental well-being. IWBI is providing guidelines that will cater to the physical and mental health of senior adults. This study will further allow us to continue our research on senior living communities and what aspects of WELL certification can be applied to create better and healthy living environments for the elderly.