Design Brief for Group 10
Objective Transform non-metropolitan spaces to align with the lifestyles of Spanish elderly people and reduce loneliness. The Scenario Spain Statistics about Elderly People In Spain, a significant demographic shift has led to an increase in the number of elderly individuals living alone or with one partner. A high percentage of elderly population is shown in small, rural communities or suburban settings. Tendencies and lifestyle clash Traditional multigenerational households have become less common, with many younger family members leaving home early to pursue education or careers in urban areas. This transition often leads to feelings of isolation and a perceived lack of purpose, particularly following retirement when elderly individuals step away from their professional identities. As a result, many elderly people find themselves navigating their daily lives without the support of family networks, leading to a disconnect from their communities. In the contemporary Spanish urban environment, vibrant, youth-centered spaces and developments dominate the social landscape. While these energetic spaces are bustling with life, they can inadvertently marginalize the elderly, who often struggle to find meaningful engagement in environments primarily designed for younger demographics. This lack of connection can cause many elderly individuals to withdraw from social activities, leading them to feel like they are no longer valuable contributors in a productivity-driven culture. The loneliness statistics shown that the tendencies of loneliness is surprising in the youth population. It is a very good reminder that loneliness is not just a problem of old age, it is a problem that can affect everyone at any age and that lifestyle trends over time can increasingly affect loneliness in older people, a vulnerable social group. The loneliness experienced by many elderly individuals is a pressing issue. Existing solutions, such as “INSERSO” and “casales de día,” offer temporary social engagement but do not address the deeper emotional and social needs that come with living alone. These activities, while beneficial in the short term, often leave large gaps in the day-to-day lives of elderly individuals, who require sustained, meaningful interactions to combat feelings of isolation. The problem persists and this is demonstrated in solutions such as senior centers. The following statistic graph, conducted in centers for older adults, presents the types of loneliness experienced and provides both the percentage and the exact number of individuals who identify with each type. The pandemic has also shifted perspectives on living arrangements, with some individuals opting to relocate from crowded cities to rural areas in search of peace and community. However, these rural towns (also called La España vacía) often lack the infrastructure and resources needed to support an aging population effectively, highlighting the need for innovative solutions that foster a sense of belonging and purpose among the elderly fitting their physical limitations. The User The focus We want you to focus on Spanish elderly individuals who live independently and desire to maintain their autonomy. Many of these individuals face physical limitations and also lack of purpose due to retirement. Main user’s problems Elderly Spanish individuals, typically over the age…