• Journal of Families and Better Life
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.141-153
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• 2009

This study is focused on the residential spaces that the elderly wish to renovate and their willingness to improve residential environment as they grow old. The analysis shows, first, the most inconvenient places as they grow old are the stairs, following by the toilet and the bath. Second, the place that the elderly most wish to renovate is the floor, upgrading floors with non-slippery materials. And they wish to remove the height differences on the floor to protect them from tripping over, upgrade the floor plan for their convenience and renovate the storage and working spaces at the kitchen and dining areas. The more the government supports the costs of the residential renovation service, the more the elderly are willing to use the renovation service. The factors influencing their willingness to residential renovation are health, residential environment, experience to accidents and their allowances. The elderly who experienced accidents inside their residence are more willing to renovate their house. Even though the elderly wish to renovate their houses, it's not carried out due to the financial difficulties and the lack of information. Thus, the government should share the useful information about residential renovation for the safety of the elderly and find a way to raise money to cover the costs of the renovation.