Abstract
This study aims to examine the existing conditions of elderly housing facilities and to understand the characteristics and types of outdoor living environments utilized by the elderly. To achieve this, this study relied on two methods: a descriptive method of researching publications and related scholastic writings, and an empirical study that included a survey of present conditions and interviews with the elderly and their nursing care providers. Additionally, evaluation of usage patterns and physical traces were carried out in twelve cases. First, the study showed that all of the facilities, which are fixed in particular areas, had difficulty providing spatial diversity that met the needs of residences. This means that these areas lack flexibility. Activity programs were, however, carried out in a lively manner in well-equipped spaces. Second, an evaluation of outdoor living environments showed that basic facilities were more than adequate, in general. Consideration of resident's physical strength and taste, however, was evaluated as low, indicating that facilities and spaces should be considered to reflect the ages, physical capacity, diverse tastes and hobbies of the elderly, as well. Third, examining the usage patterns of outdoor living activities of residents, the purposes of using outdoor spaces of elderly housing facilities were mainly 'to take a walk' and 'to engage in simple physical exercise' and the walkway, simple sports facilities, and building entrances were highly utilized. The importance of outdoor living environments values was a mean of 4.07 and satisfaction was 4.17. This indicates that residents thought that outdoor living environments are very important and currently satisfied with them.