Suitable Home Environment for Elderly People in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract This article discusses suitable home environments required for safe and convenient living of elderly people in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where a growing aging population is a serious concern. The literature records a rapid rise in population over 65 years in Sri Lanka, from 9.4% in 2015 to 21% by 2045 to 35.6% by 2100. Sri Lankan culture values home as a place of memories that connects family members with others. However, as families are structurally and functionally changed, a lack of safe and convenient features and facilities in houses has emerged as a severe problem for elders. This study adopted a questionnaire survey and observations of home environments to collect primary data from a convenience sample of 100 elders. Five in-depth interviews were also done. Results show that 92% of elders are in poor health conditions. Only 37% of elders are satisfied with their home environments. Suitable home facilities are not available in more than 50% of homes owned by elders. As most elders indicated a strong desire to stay in their own homes, the housing market and the relevant authorities have to implement suitable policies and strategies in the supply of houses to ensure suitable home environments for safe and convenient living for elderly people.