Co-creating aesthetic hospitality space for the elderly – a participatory approach with AI-generated content

Purpose As the aging population grows, there is an increasing demand for hospitality services tailored to the elderly. This study aims to investigate the integration of Eastern aesthetics, specifically the Chinese concept of Wu Hua, a Taoist philosophy that emphasizes harmony, effortless action and reflection, in designing hospitality spaces for elderly guests. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a participatory approach with the aid of artificial intelligence–generated content, where 49 elderly participants co-created an aquarium prototype for the hospitality space. Follow-up interviews further gathered insights into their aesthetic preferences, ensuring that the design aligned with their cultural and emotional needs. Findings This study verified the use of a participatory approach in designing aesthetic hospitality space and revealed five strategies: aesthetics and appeal; attachment and bonding; immersion and relaxation; empathy and reciprocity; and altered perceptions of the body. Originality/value By incorporating co-creation, cultural values and aesthetic principles, this study highlights the potential of creating environments that enhance the aesthetic and psychological well-being of elderly individuals. The findings contribute to the literature on health hotels and aesthetics, offering practical insights for future hospitality design focused on the elderly.