Abstract

Aging has become a social issue, both globally and in the United States. Adapting home environments to accommodate multigenerational living arrangements can engage people aging in place and address the common issues of social isolation and loneliness among aging-in-place adults. This qualitative study explores the interior design needs and concerns of Chinese immigrant families to assess possible adjustments that could promote age-friendly living environments for multigenerational households. Conducted in the midwestern US, the study consists of open-ended interviews conducted with eight participants from four Chinese families living in multigenerational households as well as spatial observations of their interior living arrangements. The researchers identified concerns and needs that were then collated into four themes: merged space, lighting, independence, and safety. Three patterns of adjustment—size, layout, and functionality—emerged as recommendations for comfortably accommodating all generations. Findings demonstrate that multigenerational participants value the specific interior qualities of cleanliness, views, and lighting, as well as comfortable furniture that augments socialization and well-being. Results from this study provide considerations for adapting interior space to improve the living environment of multigenerational households for the benefit of family members of different generations.