[Research Report] Invest in your future self! 90.6% of
elderly-friendly exterior design is in practice! [2024 latest]
*View in browser* *Clover Garden Ltd.*
Press release: April 1, 2024
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[Research Report] Invest in your future self! 90.6% of
elderly-friendly exterior design is in practice! [2024 latest] *~ “Announcement of the results of a questionnaire survey of 96 people” ~* Clover Garden Co., Ltd. (head office: Saitama Prefecture), which specializes in exterior construction, conducted a questionnaire survey targeting people living in single-family homes. This report focuses solely on “exterior design with consideration for the elderly”.
Background of the investigation
As the Japanese society continues to age, safety not only indoors but also outside the home (outside) is becoming more important. Therefore, we conducted a survey thinking that by learning about the safety measures everyone is taking for the elderly, we can utilize them in making proposals to future customers.
Results of a questionnaire survey of 96 people
Graph summarizing the questionnaire survey
Have you designed the external structure with consideration for the elderly? Yes, No
87 people (90.6%) 9 people (9.4%)
Consideration
Exterior design with consideration for the elderly is one of the important themes in modern society. As the population continues to age, there is a need for the entire living space to be safe and comfortable for the elderly. In this context, the results of a survey of 96 people are thought-provoking.
*According to the survey, 87 people (90.6%) responded that the exterior design is elderly-friendly*
Did. This shows the growing awareness of society as a whole to recognize and respond to the needs of older people.
However, in the survey results, 9 people (9.4%) answered that the external structure was not designed to be elderly-friendly,
highlighting that there is still room for improvement. This may be due in part to a lack of awareness of the importance of design, cost concerns, or lack of knowledge of specific methods.
The biggest takeaway from this study is that age-friendly exterior design is widely accepted and is a necessity in modern society. However, there is still a way to go before everyone understands the importance of this and puts it into practice. It will continue to be a major challenge for society going forward that designers, architects, and the general public will work together to create an environment where the elderly can live in safety and comfort.
87 people answered that the exterior design was friendly to the elderly. Graph summarizing the questionnaire survey
What kind of exterior design did you do?
Rank Elder-friendly exterior design Number of people (%)
* 1st place* * Installing handrails* 64 people (73%)
*2nd place* *Slope installation* 28 people (32%)
* 2nd place* * Installation of lighting to illuminate the feet* 28 people (32%) 4th place: Wide stairs or entrance approach 21 people (24%)
4th place: Eliminate steps at entrance approach 21 people (24%) 6th place Large parking lot with easy boarding and alighting 20 people (22%) 7th place Covered parking lot 16 people (18%)
8th place: Non-slip paving material 15 people (17%)
9th place Sliding door that is easy to open and close 13 people (14%) 10th Stair design with easy-to-understand steps 6 people (6%) 11th: Ideas to eliminate the level difference between the sweeping window and the garden 5 people (5%)
Consideration
Exterior design with consideration for the elderly is an essential element in providing a safe and comfortable living space. A recent survey revealed the considerations and innovations that were particularly important among the 87 respondents. This discussion delves into these factors and explores how they can support the lives of older people and promote their independence.
*The option that received the most support was “Installing handrails”, with 64 people (73%) citing this consideration*
. Handrails not only help maintain balance, but also increase safety by reducing the risk of falls.
Next, “Installing a slope” and “Installing lighting to illuminate your feet” both ranked second at 32%. Ramps provide a more accessible option than stairs for wheelchair users and seniors who have difficulty walking. On the other hand, proper lighting increases visibility at night and ensures safety underfoot.
In addition, 24% of people each supported wide stairs, entrance approaches, and ways to eliminate steps at entrance approaches. These considerations support the independence of the elderly by increasing freedom of movement and removing small obstacles in daily life.
A large parking lot that is easy to get on and off, a covered parking lot, non-slip paving materials, sliding gates that are easy to open and close, a staircase design that makes it easy to see the difference in steps, and a way to eliminate the difference in steps between the sweeping window and the garden are all important features for the safety of the elderly. This was cited as an important consideration considering comfort. These measures are designed to help elderly people use the exterior of their homes with peace of mind.
The results of this study show that safety, accessibility, and comfort need to be prioritized in order to achieve a senior-friendly exterior design. By making specific considerations and ideas, such as installing handrails and slopes, and arranging appropriate lighting, elderly people can lead more independent lives. These measures will also help improve safety and convenience for everyone, not just the elderly.
5 comments from people who designed external structures that are friendly to the elderly
The entrance part is a little sloped. There is a slope leading from the garden. Some of my family members are elderly, and some of the guests I visit are also elderly. Therefore, we installed it to create a barrier-free environment.
[Male in his 30s]
Installation of slope. My grandmother wasn’t using a silver car yet when we built the house, but she started using it a few years ago, so I thought it would be a good idea to have a ramp from the front door to the gate. However, if I made it the same length as the stairs, it would be a little steep.
[Women in their 30s]
By installing handrails, I am now able to walk more steadily than before. Also, by using the slope, he is now able to walk to the front door with his baby carriage, and he is happy to be able to walk steadily. Personally, I feel better now that I don’t have to support my body.
[Male in his 40s]
We wanted to prevent accidents such as slips and falls due to water or moss growth, so we cleaned and finished all of the concrete pavement on the exterior. The effect is that even if it rains or a little bit of moss grows on the slope, it won’t slip on the slope, so parents can feel at ease.
[Male in his 30s]
I use day care services (including overnight stays), but to move my wheelchair, two or more adults had to carry my child over the steps at the entrance and the gate of my house to the car. After consulting with the contractor, we installed a ramp from the back entrance to the gate, making it easier for even one person to transport a wheelchair. The cost was not as high as I expected, and I realized that I should have installed it sooner.
[Male in his 40s]
9 people answered that they did not make the exterior building friendly for the elderly.
Graph summarizing the questionnaire survey
What kind of structure do you want to have in the future?
Rank Elder-friendly exterior design Number of people (%)
* 1st place* * Handrail installation* 4 people (44%)
* 1st place * * Slope installation * 4 people (44%)
* 3rd place* * Non-slip paving material* 3 people (33%)
* 3rd place* * Installation of lighting to illuminate the feet* 3 people (33%) 5th place: Covered parking lot 2 people (22%)
5th place: Eliminate steps at entrance approach 2 people (22%) 5th place: Ideas to eliminate the level difference between the sweeping window and the garden 2 people (22%)
8th: Wide stairs or entrance approach 1 person (11%)
8th place Large parking lot with easy getting on and off 1 person (11%) -Sliding door that is easy to open and close 0 people (0%)
-Stairs design with easy-to-understand steps 0 people (0%)
Consideration
*The most popular options were “Installing handrails” and “Installing ramps”, each chosen by 4 people (44%)*
. These are basic measures to help older people overcome the most common obstacles they face when going out: climbing steps and maintaining balance. Next, 3 people (33%) supported “non-slip paving materials” and “installation of lighting to illuminate the area underfoot.” These help prevent falls and improve safety at night.
In addition, 2 people (22%) each chose “covered parking lot,” “eliminating the level difference at the entrance approach,” and “reducing the level difference between the sweeping window and the garden.” These proposals aim to increase the convenience and safety of older people when using the external spaces of their homes.
On the other hand, only one person (11%) supported “wide stairs and entrance approaches” and “a large parking lot that is easy to get on and off”, and “sliding doors that are easy to open and close” and “stairway design that makes it easy to see the difference in steps”. did not gain support. These results indicate a trend toward
prioritizing designs that address specific challenges faced by older people in their daily lives.
In the future, based on these survey results, it is expected that more people will adopt exterior designs that are friendly to the elderly. In particular, the installation of handrails and ramps, the use of non-slip paving materials, and the installation of lighting to illuminate the steps are essential elements for elderly people to live safe and independent lives.
5 comments from people who did not consider the elderly
I still stumble over steps, and I’m sure I’ll trip over them when I get older. So I definitely want to add a slope. The parking lot has a roof, so it’s easy to get in and out of the parking lot now, but if I were to use a car that can accommodate a wheelchair later on, I think it would be too small. There are currently three parking spaces, two with a roof and one without a gravel roof. Since we have plenty of land, we would like to consider widening the aisles and expanding the parking lot later on.
[Female in her 40s]
There is a significant difference in level between the bay window and the garden, and I feel that eliminating it would be beneficial not only to the elderly but also to children. I think installing small stairs will reduce the burden, so I would like to try it. I think the biggest risk is slipping and falling on flat surfaces and breaking bones, so I would like to consider changing to a paving material that is less slippery.
[Women in their 30s]
First of all, I would like to eliminate the step at the entrance. Or add a slope. If it is difficult to get in and out of the front door, I think it will be a hassle to go out. If you find it difficult to go out, you cannot say that you are living a healthy life. I also want to use non-slip materials in as many places as possible.
[Male in his 50s]
There is a small block partition and a step between the covered parking lot on the first floor of the house and the adjacent parking lot with carport, making it difficult to see especially at night, creating the risk of tripping. Eventually, I would like to add lighting to make it easier to see at night.
[Female in her 40s]
The entrance to my house is a little high, so I have to climb about three flights of stairs, so in the future I would like to install a slope, or if that is not possible, I would like to add a handrail. Also, since the entrance is dark, I would like to brighten my step so I don’t trip on the stairs.
[Female in her 40s]
[Summary] Through this survey
According to an independent survey conducted, 90.6% of the 96 people who did exterior work on new buildings adopted designs that were friendly to the elderly. This result shows that society is responding to the needs of an aging population.
The most common consideration was installing handrails (73%), followed by ramps and foot lighting (both 32%). These considerations help address the risk of falls faced by older people and overcome physical and visual barriers when going out.
In addition, wide staircases, entrance approaches, and large parking lots that are easy to get on and off are important to make daily life more convenient for the elderly.
The study found that attention to detail is essential for older people to live safely and independently.
Survey details
[Survey period] February 2024
[Survey method] Internet survey using cloud services
[Target] People who have done exterior work on a new building [Target age groups] 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s
[Number of collected samples] 96
Survey data is here: https://www.clovergarden-ex.co.jp/survey/exterior-design03
*About Clover Garden Ltd.*
Our company is a specialist in exterior construction work, operating mainly in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture.
We are a small company that values the local community, and we treat each customer with sincerity.
Company Profile
[Company name] Clover Garden Co., Ltd.
[Location] 1672-3 Tsuchiya, Nishi-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture 331-0062 [Representative Director] Toshinobu Sugama
[Business content] Design, construction, and renovation of exterior and garden construction
[Established] February 2000 (founded in 1969)
[Official website] https://www.clovergarden-ex.co.jp/
[Subsite] https://www.clovergarden.biz/
Contact information for press inquiries regarding this matter [Public Relations Officer] Isamu Sugama
[Email address] web@clovergarden-ex.co.jp
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