The Role of Residential Preferences and Spatial Adaptability in Elderly Residential Satisfaction

Abstract

As populations age and "aging in place" becomes a dominant housing policy goal, understanding what makes a residential environment satisfying for older adults has become increasingly important. Drawing on Lawton and Nahemow's person–environment (P-E) fit theory, this study examines how residential preference–environment fit and spatial adaptability jointly predict residential satisfaction among older adults, and how these effects vary with functional health status. Survey data were collected from 280 adults aged 65 and older living in independent homes and assisted living settings. Hierarchical regression results show that residential preference–environment fit (β = .38, p < .01) and spatial adaptability (β = .33, p < .01) were both significant predictors of residential satisfaction, together explaining an additional 35% of variance beyond demographic and health controls. The positive association between spatial adaptability and satisfaction was evident across both housing types but was somewhat stronger among residents of independent homes. Preference–environment fit was especially consequential for residents with declining functional health, for whom low fit was associated with markedly lower satisfaction than for those in good health. These findings support person–environment fit theory's central proposition that residential wellbeing in later life depends on the alignment between individual needs and environmental characteristics, and underscore the importance of adaptable housing design as a buffer against the challenges of age-related functional decline. Implications for housing policy and elder-friendly design are discussed