Research on interaction between residents in the community focused on multi-generational housing development

In case of housing development which has elderly residence with supportive services and general residence

Abstract

The average family size is shrinking in Japan due to the decreasing birthrate and aging population. It is getting difficult to look after children and care for the elderly "in nuclear family units". For this reason, "multi-generational housing development" is drawing attention. This study aimed to discover the actual progress of "multi-generational housing development" and the actual state of interaction between residents, and subsequently to sort out outstanding issues. Results showed that communications between different generations could not gain enough momentum simply from plans to construct houses for the elderly and those for general residents side by side. The study also found that approaches not only from the aspect of hardware, such as the arrangement of facilities for interaction but also from the aspect of software, such as the planning of events to promote interaction, would work effectively. By the way, it turned out that interaction would be facilitated under certain conditions.