Abstract
Purpose : Balanced meal service is very important for the elderly to maintain good physical health. Good food and comfortable dining environment is also important for the elderly to prevent emotional depression. The purpose of this study is to investigate current problems of dining space in Korean elderly welfare facility. De-institutionalizing dining environment of elderly welfare facility will bring more meaningful social interactions among elderly users. Methods : Through literature research and case studies of welfare centers in the US and Japan, Elderly Dining Space Checklist was developed. Dining spaces of 11 welfare facilities in Seoul was analyzed by this checklist. It was administered by interior designers as well as facility staffs to achieve more credible results. Questionnaire for the elderly users of those dining space also prosecuted to broaden knowledge for creating improved environment. Results : Dining spaces of elderly welfare centers are lack of privacy and furnitures are not comfortable enough for the general users as well as wheelchair users. Elderly dining space users are seeking more private and comfortable spaces for the social communications. Implications : Dining environment for the elderly in Korea should develop more de-institutionalized design concepts.
