In the interior space of a senior citizen’s residence, furniture plays an equally role in mobility and use and hence it is important to ensure that all furniture are free of sharp edges. The furniture needs to be at a comfortable height to enable easy use while the fabric used should be breathable. It is best to avoid the use of a centre table as this inhibits free movement. Instead, the upholstered comfortable seating could have convenient side-tables on either side to facilitate easy access for use.
Rounded edges apply equally to kitchen and dining areas which are best kept open and connected to the living space. A round dining table is a preferred option as compared to rectangular ones.
Says interior designer Mahesh Chadaga, “The choice of hardware solutions especially in the kitchen is vital as it is a challenge for seniors to use difficult-to-open drawers. The channels used should be smooth. The lower shelves under the kitchen counter are best kept as easy-to-open drawers to prevent the need to bend too much to remove items.”
According to him, accessibility is key for a senior person and this needs address in the placement of shelves and design of the cupboards, not just in the kitchen but also in the wardrobes and shelves in the bedroom. “Tall units with pull-out shelves are fine design solutions for storing groceries. The shelves over the counter should be placed at a height that is easily accessible.”
Since cleaning and maintenance is another challenge for seniors, Chadaga advocates the option of a glass splash back for the kitchen counters or groove-free tiling.
Height mattersWhen it comes to the design of cots, Chadaga recommends steering clear of platform beds. “The cots need to be at a slightly higher height compared to conventional ones to prevent difficulty in use while getting off the bed. The cot also needs to be free of sharp edges. The head board should be cushioned with fabric or leather to bring in softness as compared to veneer which can be hard.”
Bedside lamps and bedside tables with drawers are a must, for easy access to lighting as well as placement of books, medicines, and spectacles. “The lighting should be fairly bright combined with ambient lighting to offer sufficient lighting when required and subdued lighting while relaxing.” Cheer is an important component of décor in senior living, especially so as the resident invariably spends long hours indoors. But the cheer should not bring in clutter as this would require heavy maintenance besides also hampering free movement.
“The spaces have to be refreshing and clutter free. The décor should be minimalistic, with a total absence of carving, and host a few accent pieces in the form of wall paintings or a corner sculpture.
“The colours used on walls as well as soft furnishing too is best kept pastel, with hues coming solely from the decorative elements and a bit of greenery in the form of indoor plants”, advocates Chadaga.
According to him, the use of rugs and carpets too are best avoided as this can collect dust and require excessive maintenance and suggests wood flooring instead if warmth is sought. Balconies or verandahs are an integral part of senior living and these should be large and house comfortable seating along with greenery in the form of pots or overlook a lush green patch.
