BeSIDE: Built Environment for Social Inclusion in the Digital Economy

Project Dates: From October 2013 to March 2017

Staff: Dr. Simon Woodman, Dr. Hugo Hiden, Mike Simpson

Sponsors: EPSRC

A fundamental impact of ageing is that a person's needs and abilities change; however, the built environment is failing to respond to these changes. Despite current legislative statutes and design guidance, little is known from empirical evidence (generated by older people, their family and care providers) about enabling and disabling elements of the built environment. These elements have never been defined to support the advancement of building and digital technology design. Through systematic analysis of the failings and successes of older people's care environments, BESiDE research will identify how better-informed building design, combined with technologies, can facilitate greater mobility, physical activity, social connectedness and wellbeing of older people.