International design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman announced the publication of its latest white paper, “Centers for Healthy Living: Providing Whole-Person Wellness to Seniors,” co-authored by Associate and Senior Design Researcher Emily Chmielewski EDAC, and Associate Claire Dickey AIA, who are based in the firm’s Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., offices, respectively. The report is the culmination of a comprehensive design research study, conducted by the firm’s in-house research group, which examines what existing centers for healthy living (CHLs) are doing today and how they may evolve to better serve the complex needs of seniors.
Centers for healthy living, a new building typology that supports seniors through all eight dimensions of wellness, are currently being developed all over the U.S. in various forms and serving a diversity of needs, either within Life Plan Community campuses or as stand-alone community centers. Rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all model, today’s CHLs vary widely in terms of services offered, which in turn reflects the fact that there are many definitions of “wellness.” According to one survey participant, the COO of a prominent residential and care provider in a suburb of Washington, D.C., “With so many definitions of wellness, a successful CHL needs to be able to adjust and adapt to be all inclusive and participatory.”
With the number of older adults in the U.S. in need of long-term services and support projected to grow from 15 million to 27 million by the year 2050, there is a distinct need to explore where and how senior services are delivered.
“CHLs help bridge the gap between the senior living and healthcare sectors, yet they go beyond the typical provision of clinic and exercise spaces to address all eight dimensions of whole-person wellness,” write the authors.
While this holistic approach is optimal, research study findings suggest that some providers tend to focus more on residents’ physical and social wellness, and pay less attention to accommodating the other six. This white paper explores the causes behind this (e.g. certain dimensions of wellness are easier to support and quantify), among other things, and offers informed, research-based recommendations for how CHLs of the future and corresponding models of care can better meet the wellness needs of seniors.
This white paper was produced and edited under the guidance and design expertise of Perkins Eastman’s Senior Living leadership team. The release of “Centers for Healthy Living” coincides with this year’s LeadingAge Annual Meeting & Expo (October 30 – November 2), being held in Indianapolis, IN. The entire paper is available for free download at www.perkinseastman.com/white_papers.
Related Stories
Industry Research | Mar 22, 2017
Progress on addressing US infrastructure gap likely to be slow despite calls to action
Due to a lack of bipartisan agreement over funding mechanisms, as well as regulatory hurdles and practical constraints, Moody’s expects additional spending to be modest in 2017 and 2018.
Industry Research | Mar 21, 2017
Staff recruitment and retention is main concern among respondents of State of Senior Living 2017 survey
The survey asks respondents to share their expertise and insights on Baby Boomer expectations, healthcare reform, staff recruitment and retention, for-profit competitive growth, and the needs of middle-income residents.
Industry Research | Mar 14, 2017
6 ways cities can prepare for a driverless future
A new report estimates 7 million drivers will shift to autonomous vehicles in 3 U.S. cities.
Office Buildings | Mar 7, 2017
Large creative office projects generate staggering returns for property investors
A new Transwestern report examines the adaptive reuse trend across the U.S.
Industry Research | Mar 7, 2017
These are the 10 most expensive cities in the world to build in
Paris, Frankfurt, and Macau are all on the list, but none of them are more expensive than the city in the number one spot.
Office Buildings | Mar 2, 2017
White paper from Perkins Eastman and Three H examines how design can inform employee productivity and wellbeing
This paper is the first in a planned three-part series of studies on the evolution of diverse office environments and how the contemporary activity-based workplace (ABW) can be uniquely tailored to support a range of employee personalities, tasks and work modes.
Industry Research | Feb 15, 2017
Putting workers first should be every employer’s priority
The latest Sodexo report on workplace trends explores 10 factors that are impacting the global work environment.
Industry Research | Feb 13, 2017
How thought leadership marketing can generate referrals for your firm
The most effective way to boost your reputation is through thought leadership marketing.
Market Data | Feb 1, 2017
Nonresidential spending falters slightly to end 2016
Nonresidential spending decreased from $713.1 billion in November to $708.2 billion in December.
High-rise Construction | Jan 23, 2017
Growth spurt: A record-breaking 128 buildings of 200 meters or taller were completed in 2016
This marks the third consecutive record-breaking year for building completions over 200 meters.
