Discussion on the Design of Elderly-oriented Human Settlement from the Perspective of Universal Design

Abstract

With the acceleration of the aging of the population in China, elderly-oriented human settlement design has emerged as a critical strategy to address the challenges of an aging society. This paper explores the connotation, principles, and methods of elderly-oriented human settlement design from the perspective of universal design. It first elucidates the concept of universal design and its relationship with elderly-oriented design, analyzing the physiological, psychological, and social needs of the elderly. Subsequently, based on universal design principles, it examines design priorities in spatial planning, physical environment, and facility equipment across residential spaces, outdoor public spaces, circulation spaces, and color/lighting. Finally, this paper discusses how to promote the engagement of the elderly in the design process to ensure that the design scheme meets the real needs of the elderly, and puts forward some strategies to promote the design of elderly-oriented human settlements from the aspects of policy, education and public awareness.