Abstract
As societies enter an era of super-aging, falls among the elderly have emerged as a critical issue in residential safety. Older
adults often face physical, economic, and informational barriers that prevent them from improving their home environments.
This study aimed to examine how education on fall prevention and aging-friendly housing design affects the spatial
awareness and planning capabilities of younger generations. A single-group pre- and post-intervention study was conducted
with 71 undergraduate students from Y University. The educational module addressed the relationship between aging, fall
risk factors, and residential environments through lectures, visual materials, and a housing floor plan activity. Participants
were asked to identify and annotate fall prevention elements before and after the intervention. The results revealed
statistically significant improvements (p < .001) in the number of applied elements (from 8.20 to 11.06), the number of
spaces with applied considerations (from 4.96 to 5.32), and the diversity of design factors per space (from 23.13 to 30.38).
Notable increases were found in the application of anti-slip flooring (+21.3%), safety handles (+22.2%), and ergonomic
furniture (+46.0%). A particularly high rate of change was observed in previously overlooked areas, such as storage spaces
and entrances. Participants demonstrated a cognitive shift from isolated hazard mitigation toward more integrated thinking
focused on spatial mobility, user flow, and the relationship between connected environments. These findings indicate that
fall prevention education not only increases awareness but also strengthens participants’ ability to apply practical,
multidimensional, and user-centered design strategies. The study highlights the potential of such programs to equip future
professionals with the competencies needed to address residential safety challenges in super-aged societies through socially
responsive and interdisciplinary education.
