Ageing in Place with the Comfort of Passive House Living Part II
In this blog we delve into the benefits of ageing in place in a Passive House.
Benefits of Ageing in Place
Preservation of Independence: There is a saying – if you don’t use it, you lose it. Allowing seniors to age in place helps them maintain a sense of independence and autonomy. This self-sufficiency can contribute to a positive self-image and mental well-being.
Familiar Environment: Remaining in the same home provides a familiar and comfortable environment. This familiarity can reduce stress and anxiety often associated with major life changes, positively impacting mental health.
Continuity of Social Connections: Social engagement is crucial for mental and emotional health. Aging in place allows seniors to stay connected with their established social networks, including friends, neighbours, and community groups. Engaging in meaningful activities with their social connections significantly contributes to a positive outlook on aging.
Physical Activity and Exercise: A familiar home environment encourages seniors to engage in regular physical activities, contributing to better overall health. Staying active helps maintain mobility, strength, and balance.
Cognitive Stimulation: Aging in a familiar setting with personal belongings and memories can provide ongoing cognitive stimulation. Mental engagement, such as participating in hobbies and daily activities, is essential for cognitive health.
Reduced Risk of Depression: Maintaining independence and social connections at home can reduce the risk of depression and feelings of isolation that sometimes accompany a move to a new environment.
Sense of Control and Purpose: Remaining in one's own home empowers seniors with a sense of control over their living environment. Living independently provides seniors with a continued sense of purpose. This purpose and control can positively impact mental well-being and contribute to a higher quality of life.
Emotional Well-Being: The emotional attachment to a home and the memories associated with it can foster a positive outlook on life. Emotional well-being is a key factor in slowing down the aging process.
Lower Stress Levels: Transitioning to a new living arrangement can be stressful for seniors. Aging in place eliminates the stress of relocation, allowing individuals to focus on their health and enjoyment of life.
Adaptations to Changing Needs: Aging in place allows for gradual adaptations to changing health needs. Home modifications and supportive services can be implemented as required, ensuring a comfortable and safe living environment.
Benefits of ageing in place in a Passive House
Stable Indoor Temperature: Passive houses are designed to maintain stable indoor temperatures between 20-25 Degree Celsius throughout the year. This consistency is particularly beneficial for the elderly, as it helps prevent temperature-related discomfort and supports overall well-being. NIH National Library of Medicine reports that excess cold or heat are associated with greater risk of death in this population.
Improved Insulation: Passive houses feature high-quality insulation, reducing heat loss during colder months and minimizing heat gain during warmer months. This insulation contributes to a comfortable indoor temperature, creating a cozy living space for the elderly.
Optimal Ventilation: Passive houses employ a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. This ensures a continuous supply of fresh air while recovering the heat from the outgoing air. The controlled ventilation contributes to a consistently pleasant indoor environment.
Elimination of Draught: Passive houses are meticulously sealed to prevent draught. This is especially important for the elderly, as draught can cause discomfort, exacerbate health conditions, and make it challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Health Benefits: The consistent thermal comfort provided by passive houses contributes to the overall health and well-being of elderly occupants. Maintaining a comfortable temperature helps prevent issues like hypothermia or heat-related stress, which can be more challenging for older individuals to manage. Our immune system increasingly becomes more compromised as we age and thus takes longer to recover from respiratory infections.
Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling: Passive houses use highly efficient heating and cooling systems. These systems are designed to provide optimal comfort while minimizing energy consumption, leading to lower utility costs for its occupants.
Thermal bridge free which means mould free: Mould is often associated with damp and poorly ventilated living spaces. This can trigger nasal congestion, wheeze, respiratory infections, worsen asthma and allergic conditions. Living in a mould free environment eliminates all these bothersome and unhealthy conditions.
If you want to build a Passive House as your forever home to age in place, do not hesitate to contact us
Want to find a comprehensive resource about ageing in place? Visit https://silvercare.org.nz
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