Designing for Aging: New Guides Emphasize Independence and Quality of Life

The Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE) partnered with Tarkett to release two new design guides for senior living design: Fostering Independence and Fostering Health and Wellness. Written by SAGE member focus groups composed of architects — including RDG Architect April Reinhardt, AIA, LEED AP — interior designers, owners and operators, the guides “support residents' independence, health and holistic wellness by providing practical approaches for designing purposeful” senior living environments. 

• Fostering Independence examines how design can empower older adults to maintain autonomy as their needs evolve. Drawing on real-world insights, it outlines approaches that support mobility, navigation and sensory processing while reducing barriers in the built environment. The result is a set of strategies aimed at enabling safer, more confident and independent living experiences.

• Fostering Health and Wellness explores how human-centered design can support the physical, cognitive and sensory changes that come with aging. Informed by research and industry collaboration, it highlights strategies, ranging from lighting and acoustics to biophilic elements, that enhance comfort, engagement and overall well-being. The focus is on creating environments that promote dignity and help older adults thrive day to day.

Taken together, the guides highlight the important role of design in supporting aging populations. Through research-backed strategies and cross-disciplinary insight, they provide a roadmap for creating environments that foster independence and well-being to create a higher quality of life for residents and those who support them. They also signal continued momentum across the industry to rethink how senior living environments are planned, designed and experienced.

Click here to read the full design guides from SAGE and Tarkett.