Adapted Living Spaces and Public Environments for Older Adults in the United States: A Scoping Review of Health and Accessibility

Older adults with memory impairments, including those living alone or with family, face significant challenges in navigating daily life due to environmental hazards, lack of accessibility, and limited public spaces tailored to their needs. Adapted living spaces (e.g., housing modifications, dementia-friendly housing) and public environments (e.g., age-friendly roads, green spaces, and social areas) have the potential to enhance safety, promote independence, and improve quality of life. However, the design and availability of these adaptations vary significantly between urban and rural areas, often creating inequities in access to supportive environments. This scoping review aims to systematically map existing research on the role of adapted living spaces and public environments in improving health, reducing caregiver burden, and fostering community engagement among elderly individuals with memory impairments.