gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: Germany as well as other European countries are affected by aging societies and a large amount of seniors living in rural areas. In this regions a lack of housing-options exists, wherefore elderly persons often have to stay in substandard, non-age-friendly homes or have to move into a nursing home. This situation requires the analysis, reflection and implementation of new and sustainable age-friendly housing-concepts for rural areas. The aim of the study was to identify housing-options, which are tailored to the needs of the elderly in rural areas.

Methods: Computerized databases like Pubmed, Cinahl and Embase were screened for publications from January 2000 to July 2015. Predefined selection criteria were used to identify studies related to existing housing-options. A total of 45 publications were found. 23 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

Based on the literature review a classification of already existing housing-options in rural areas was developed. Five domains of housing-options could be identified:

1.

living in their home, involved in an age-friendly community

2.

cohousing community

3.

shared living

4.

assisted living

5.

retirement community

Conclusions: This review provides an essential insight into existing housing-options and projects for the elderly in rural areas as well as a 5-domain-classification regarding these options. Based on the results sustainable age-friendly housing-concepts and appropriate implementation-strategies can be developed. Nevertheless, the existence of alternative housing-options alone is not enough to support the needs of the elderly in rural areas, wherefore further topics and strategies regarding age-friendliness have to be scientifically reflected.