Exploring the meaning of home for the older adults: A bibliometric analysis of environmental and psychological needs (1969–2023)

Abstract

As the older adult population continues to grow and modern lifestyles evolve, many older adults encounter challenges in adapting to contemporary homes or transitioning to new living environments. Factors such as loneliness, diminished physical capabilities, and relocation to institutional care settings further exacerbate these difficulties. Designing supportive environments that cater to the psychological needs of older adults can enhance their sense of place attachment, comfort, and overall well-being. This paper aims to present a comprehensive bibliometric review of the existing body of research on the meaning of home, addressing knowledge gaps related to the psychological needs of older adults. The study is based on the analysis of 678 English-language articles indexed in the Scopus database, published between 1969 and 2023. Data were analyzed using VOS Viewer 1.6.20 software, and the PRISMA checklist was employed to ensure accuracy in bibliometric reporting. The findings indicate that research on this topic has predominantly developed around five main domains: “Transactional Processes with the Environment and Factors Affecting Health and Well-being,” “Resilience and Vulnerability in Living Environments,” “Older Adults Care and Welfare Services,” “Architectural Design Principles for Care Environments and Aging Equipment,” and “Independent Living and Modern Technologies.” Nevertheless, expanding the scope to include non-English studies from diverse geographical contexts is expected to contribute to a more comprehensive framework for defining the meaning of home for older adult individuals across different cultures.