Housing Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for the Elderly Living in Urban Areas: Case Studies of Four Bangkok’s Districts

Abstract

The demographic structure of the Thai population has shifted to an ageing society with an increasing number of elderly people living in urban areas. This research, therefore, is aimed to study and analyze the housing conditions of the elderly as well as relevant behaviors and issues, and provide recommendations for improvement. This research employs interviews and onsite-surveys for data collection. Findings showed that the current conditions are inappropriate; bedroom furniture should be less high; handrails should be installed in bathrooms; stair risers should be shortened, and a common area e.g. a gazebo, should be provided for the elderly to spend time outside together.