Study on the Rural Aging Adaptation Program under the Model of Aging in Place--The Case of Houkuang Village in Shandong Province

Abstract

With the aggravation of population aging in China, the problems of living environment and quality of life of the elderly population in rural areas are becoming more and more prominent. This paper first analyzes the current situation of Houkuang Village, including the village profile, existing problems and housing structure. Then, based on Maslow's need theory model, it proposes an ageing-friendly renovation plan, with detailed analysis and suggestions on five levels, including physiology, safety, socialization, respect, and personal realization. Based on the existing problems, an ageing-friendly residential retrofit design is proposed, including two specific programs for the different situations of "empty nesters" and "multigenerational cohabitation". Meanwhile, for the overall planning and design of the village, measures such as optimizing the road network and adding public facilities are proposed to improve the convenience and happiness of the elderly. In conclusion, although this ageing retrofit program cannot be generalized, it has some reference value in solving the living environment problems of the elderly in northern villages. Future research and practice should further explore the needs for ageing-friendly retrofitting in different regions and develop more precise and feasible retrofitting programs by combining local cultural, economic and geographic characteristics, in order to promote the well-being of the elderly in rural areas and community development in China.