• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.39-48
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• 2014

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.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 2014

Purpose: Healthy and balanced meal is very important for the elderly to maintain the quality of life in community. Senior meal delivery system and congregate meal services have been played an important role to prevent premature institutionalization of the elderly. Food delivery system and lunch service spaces for the Korean elderly were mostly focused and limited on low-income family. The purpose of this study is to analyze community food services environments for the elderly in the UK, the U.S. and Japan for the possibility of applying those service spaces to Korean community. Methods: Lunch service spaces of these three countries were investigated by literature research and visiting of venues. Pilot study of the elderly meal services in Seoul was done for comparing environments and future research. Results: Lunch service spaces in three countries were mostly community based for accessibility and the types of management were various for the elderly to choose the most suitable services for them. The group dining spaces are usually small and designed to give de-institutional atmosphere. Implications: Food service environments for the elderly in Korea should develop more community based model of food delivery and congregate meal service spaces as well as more de-institutionalized design of those spaces.