Essential Influence

Senior citizen residences are just now gaining hold in India, where the multi-generational shared family structure persists despite rapid modernization. The notion of senior living still bears a prejudice in the country, which contributes to less than 1% of the $25 billion global senior housing market. However, higher earnings, longer life expectancy, and the increase of nuclear families as individuals travel for work are driving demand for retirement houses in Asia’s third-largest economy, drawing developers and investors. Athashri is managed by Paranjape Schemes Ltd, one of a few entities entering the expanding senior living market.

Keeping track of the past prepares us for a better future. The importance of a grandparent’s presence in one life, and learning from the elderly never fade away. This interaction impacts various factors in one’s life. Starting from nurturing tips in pregnancy, taking care of infants, telling notional stories to children, and many more. Such influence not only teaches valuable life lessons but also prepares us for future circumstances. The tips and tricks are essential in all sectors from cooking, and medicine to the recycling of materials. The older generation has seen and experienced way more valuable lessons in life that can be considered countless.

Walking with technology

Nowadays it’s a common sight of the usage of babyproofing materials and baby furniture around public and private places. This comes under user-oriented design and planning. This branch deals with inclusive design and strategies. Similarly, universal design is also spreading its root in various sectors, calling out for equality and opportunity. Where all are treated on the same platform, by adding simplicity and technology. Such global initiatives bring us closer to humanity and strengthen our community. 

Each generation has its strong suit and its weakness. Coping with advanced technology might not always be easier for senior citizens but their enthusiasm is noteworthy. These advancements can be utilized in their beneficiary way for their easement of living. As discussed earlier, age group-oriented designs are developing their market and achieving popularity. Such technologies are introduced in the residential sector, where senior citizen housing stepped into the picture. These projects helped in community forming and interdependent living, where same-age people can collaborate. These spaces help in their minds as well as their physical health.

Retirement Retreat: Need of the hour

The most common scenario in current houses is where children and grandchildren are busy with their work throughout the day and sometimes even at the night. The next generation prefers traveling and pursuing their dreams, even if that requires moving away from the house. In such conditions, senior citizens adapt to living alone in their apartments. One could always use a friend to deal with their life, mostly same people relate better and fast. Senior citizen housing revolves around this prime concept. Using advancements in technology for their benefit will contribute to their well-being.

Young at Heart

Even though being called a senior citizen, there are multiple activities that the age group enjoys. Such age-appropriate amenity spaces and most importantly interactive spaces are included in the Athashri project. Some physical activity paired with same-age participants, where one can help others motivate is a common sight on this campus. Celebrating festivals together, common interest activities, as well as birthdays, also are adored together. Few visits and trips around the corner of the year, fun activities inviting professionals and health class sessions also receive a cheerful response. 

The three Go’s

While designing any project, a detailed study of the user group is done for better planning. In this very case, senior citizens are divided into three groups, Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go. This categorization speaks about their physical health and the scope of activities they can involve in. This parameter is considered at the stage of admission to the housing society. Where the intensity of care required is taken into a note, and how much the society can provide is compared. This procedure makes it easier to achieve through some guidelines and admission criteria, which are mandatory to follow. The such notion will make it easier for caretakers and staff to provide the necessary attention and take valid precautions.

The first category named Go-Go includes senior citizens aged more than 60, and in the healthiest stage and condition. Where they do not need any support while walking or doing daily chores. They maintain healthy, normal speed and do not have any serious medical conditions. Activities such as climbing steps up and down, and taking a daily walk are performed at normal human speed.

Secondly, the Slow-Go category which is mentioned in the name is based on their speed. This division includes senior citizens capable of handling their activities but at a slower pace. Most commonly they are seen walking with walkers or support. The dependency is based on speed and scope of movement. Most commonly includes health conditions or joint pain surgeries. The group is capable of performing all tasks on their own but at a comparatively slower speed.

Finally, the third position called No-Go requires ultimate care. Such grandparents are always assigned a caretaking maid. These senior citizens are always under medical surveillance. They are always part of some other medical condition that needs constant care. Few of the citizens also face bedridden treatment for their condition. This class is unable to work or function even their regular work without help or assistance.

The structure – inbuilt systems

Starting with the user group identification, where Go-Go and Slow-Go are allowed to invest in property, and the No-Go criterion is excluded. Buildings are equipped with necessary vertical transportation facilities with power backup. This backup system works in the hardest situations and supports movement. Stairs are also provided in emergencies and for the effective working of supportive staff. To climb up the plinth level, ramps are also provided at each node for support and easier climbing of the difference.

Each section starts with the entrance lobby till each apartment, hand rails are the most essential part. Corridors and common areas are also equipped with support for walking and resting. Such arrangements are also part of toilet design. Where daily washroom activities involve sitting and standing from that position. This movement needs support and expected provision, which is taken care of in this project.

At a certain age, physical health is considered to be unpredictable and unstable as well. In such situations, constant availability of medical health is a must. This factor is well-planned in the project. On the ground, the floor planner has provided a dispensary and 24 hrs on-call doctor. Provision of 2 admission beds is also given in case of emergency. The society manager is in tie-up with all proximity local hospitals in case of emergency. This level of detailing and care is considered noteworthy. 

Conveniences and comfort

Common gathering and community spaces are most important in any design of the structure. Similarly, in such user group-oriented projects, age-appropriate activities are planned and developed.  Such spaces are equipped with all the necessary facilities and promote leisure time entertainment. Spaces like common benches arrangements for the gossip and morning paper reading routine, and similar arrangements over the rooftop for evening chatter and occasional parties. Open lawn on the ground floor for community festival celebrations and occasional yoga or such workshops. This sensitivity towards needs and requirements makes the space more functionally efficient.

Hobbies and interests also change as per growing age. A calm and natural close atmosphere is more soothing for the elder generation. Keeping that in mind, plantation and landscaping are given importance.  Naturally shaded sitting arrangements, collecting flowers in the morning for rituals and such activities keep them busy and efficient. A few of these habits are cherished and given scope to grow in the Athashri project.

Most of the flats are occupied by either couple or a pair of two or three friends. In these cases, cooking every day might not be a comfortable option or not always possible. This factor is well thought of and the provision common canteen or called as a mess is given on the first floor. Similarly for physical fitness and leisure time gymnasium and swimming pool is also existing on the ground floor. These activities are performed under supervision only, where one person is constantly present for this duty. The project is concentrated on the best of both mental and physical health.

Considerate Futuristic approach

India is housing the maximum number of young candidates in the current scenario, which group tends to relocate for their respective work. The remaining part of the family, considerably the senior citizens are on the verge of constant need and care. Such a collaborative project provides a way of living for senior citizens. This allows the next generation to also be comfortable with the living situation of their parents or grandparents. The establishment provides occasional visits and festival-related activities, which will keep them busy and content.

The cheerful youth of today will equally shift into the phase of elderly tomorrow. The tables will turn and the providing generation becomes the necessitating one. Such projects will also be ensuring future demands and a provision for a better future. Amenities and luxury have become an essential part of everybody’s life today. This lifestyle can also be experienced in senior citizen housing. This project is the step taken towards futuristic development and such initiatives will grow their market soon the near future.