GREEN SPACES AND NATURAL ELEMENTS IN THE ARCHITECTURAL CONFIGURATION OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

The aging process entails changes that require attention to ensure the well-being of older people. The difficulty of families in offering support in the face of daily demands often leads them to search for care facilities. Although the rights to housing and well-being are legally guaranteed, the effective implementation of these rights is hampered by inadequate approaches by facilities, which often disregard the cognitive needs of older people. Given the influence of built spaces on quality of life, it is crucial to ensure that Long-Term Care facilities for Older Adults provide facilities conducive to successful aging. Although studies recognize the benefits of green spaces for older adults, integrating these elements in built environments can be better explored. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) seeks to identify the preferences of older people regarding green spaces and natural elements in the architecture of Long-Term Care facilities. The research covers articles in the Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Results indicate a preference for comfortable, safe, accessible, familiar environments with vegetation and natural views. It is concluded that contact with nature is essential in the institutionalized experience of older people, thus reinforcing the importance of architectural adaptations sensitive to their preferences.