The Environment

The environment in which we live allows us a free and unhindered access to friends, relatives and services in the community. It has been found that the environment affects the functionalism of individuals in general and the elderly more specifically. Life in an environment without challenges and demands leads to the slowing-down of brain functions.

The inner, as well as the outer, environment influences the ability of the elderly to remain active, to participate and to contribute to the society. It's understood that the improvements in the structured environment have a direct effect on the quality of life itself for the elderly, as well as that of their families.

Internal Environment

Many of the difficulties that the elderly face are due to the structured environment. Good planning for the elderly is generally advantageous for us all; good conditions in accommodations, that is, mainly adapting the house to their abilities and frequently-changing needs, allows them to continue living independently and to maintain social contacts.  We mustn't forget that the house represents for most elderly a constant reference point in an ocean of changes in the outside world.

External environment

The elderly move around their neighbourhood less than the young people because they don't work.  Nevertheless, often this lesser mobility is not voluntary, but emanates from restrictions by the external environment, like inadequate transportation, lack of sidewalks, lack of parks for resting and exercising and buildings that don't provide an easy access.

Natural environment

Worldwide climatic changes can influence considerably the health of the elderly. Their difficulty in adapting to changing weather conditions, and being exposed to high summer temperatures, makes them more susceptible to illnesses, which increases their mortality rate. Extreme meteorological phenomena, and the difficulty of the elderly to survive under highly dangerous conditions, are other factors that influence their health.

Technological environment

Technology plays an essential role in the improvement of the social and natural environments. Its products can soften sensory losses and compensate for the loss of strength and mobility. Another objective is for technology to initiate chances for work, entertainment, learning and social activities.

The growth of technology influences all phases of public and private life. The elderly need encouragement and time so that they can adapt to the new technological environment in which we live. This challenge becomes more difficult as a person grows older.

The technology of the information-society should give more support to the autonomy and the independence of the elderly through its products and services, like telemarketing or telebanking transactions, or even the concept of "smart houses" where certain automatic mechanisms substitute for bodily weaknesses.

Of course we must keep in mind that technology is quite often not accessible, not acceptable and economically unapproachable for the elderly.