Behavior of Using Outdoor Space of The Elderly in The Elderly Care Facility in Bangkok and Surrounding Areas

Abstract

This article aimed to study appropriateness of outdoor spaces of elderly care facility and behaviors of using outdoor spaces in elderly care facility. The study was conducted by conducting a survey in 5 areas of elderly care facility, being a case study, in Bangkok and outskirts of Bangkok, in terms of environment, components of existing outdoor spaces, observation of behaviors of using outdoor spaces, and interview with the elderly, caregivers, and the management team about usability and obstacles in using outdoor spaces. According to the results recording behaviors of using outdoor spaces of the elderly found the elderly most likely used outdoor spaces in the morning, especially during 06.00–08.00 hrs., followed by in the late morning during 09.00–11.00 hrs., afternoon during 13.00–15.00 hrs., and in the evening during 16.00–18.00 hrs., respectively. Most of the morning activities were merit making and light to moderate energy exercises. Late morning activities included activities done continually from the morning, afternoon activities were relaxing ones like reading books, doing handicraft work, talking, recreational activities, watching movies, listening to songs, playing games, such as bingo, vocabulary guessing game, throwing ball, etc. Afternoon activities more likely took place in semi-outdoor spaces than outdoor spaces due to hot weather in Thailand. Spaces where activities took place quite often were (1) balconies and an open space attached to a building, (2) a major walkway and a walkway in the garden, (3) a sitting area nearby the nature and a source of water, (4) an exercise area, outdoor fitness park, petanque court, and swimming pool area. According to the interview, problems related to using outdoor spaces of the elderly were caused by 2 factors, namely, (1) the elderly’s health problems, (2) environment of areas that do not facilitate usability while areas do not meet the elderly who use services. Preparation of external environment to suit and meet the elderly’s demands partially stimulates an increase in using outdoor spaces and promotes the better quality of life among the elderly.