Work

Designing aesthetically authentic, restorative, and socially interactive environments for retirement homes: impacts on senior consumers’ relocation intention

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Drawing on the ecological model of aging and the technology acceptance model, this study investigates how three design factors-aesthetic authenticity, restorative design, and social interaction design-shape senior consumers' relocation intentions in urban China. Methods: Survey data were collected from 331 seniors. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct effects, and PROCESS Macro Model 1 was employed to test the moderating effect. Results: Our analysis reveals a nuanced decision-making process. While all the above three factors positively influence attitudinal beliefs, their paths to shaping relocation intention differ. Aesthetic authenticity has a significant indirect effect through attitudinal beliefs, suggesting it is an intrinsic motivator. In contrast, the indirect effects of restorative and social interaction design are only significant when facilitating conditions (e.g., financial and social support) are high. Discussion: These findings contribute to gerontechnology and environmental design literature by demonstrating how foundational psychological needs and value-added features are weighed differently in seniors' relocation decisions. We also provide practical implications for stakeholders on designing and marketing retirement communities within China's evolving socio-cultural landscape.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1541771

Authors: Xianyao Ding, Xiaowen Xiong

Institutions: Xihua University, Sichuan Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801