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Yaşlılıkta Düşme Rsikini Azaltmaya Yönelik Güvenli İç Mekan Yaklaşımları

Year 2026, Volume: 17 Issue: 1 , 203 - 213 , 20.04.2026
https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1722897
https://izlik.org/JA59RM22AF

Abstract

Yaşlı bireylerde düşmeler, dünya genelinde ciddi yaralanmalara, hastaneye yatışlara ve bağımsızlık kaybına yol açabilen önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunudur. Yaşlı nüfusun hızla artmasıyla birlikte, güvenli ve erişilebilir iç mekanların tasarlanması, düşme riskini azaltmada önemli bir önleyici yaklaşım olarak görülmektedir. Bu çalışma, yaşlanmaya bağlı fiziksel ve bilişsel değişimlerin iç mekan tasarımından kaynaklanan risklerle ilişkisini kapsamlı olarak incelemektedir. Mekan düzeni, mobilya seçimi, malzeme tercihleri ve malzeme kullanımı, aydınlatma ve renk gibi iç mekan tasarım unsurlarının düşmeleri önlemedeki rolü değerlendirilmekte ve bu unsurlar üzerinden güvenli ve yaşlı dostu iç mekanların oluşturulmasına yönelik tasarım önerileri sunulmaktadır. Çalışmada yer verilen ulusal ve uluslararası standartlar, bu standartlar doğrultusunda geliştirilen rehberler ve yapılan araştırmalar, yaşlı bireylerin hareket özgürlüğünü destekleyen, algı süreçlerini kolaylaştıran ve çevresel farkındalıklarını artıran tasarımların düşme riskini anlamlı şekilde azalttığını göstermektedir. Yaşlı bireylerin güvenliğini ön planda tutan iç mekan tasarımları yalnızca fiziksel güvenliği değil, aynı zamanda bireylerin bağımsız hareket etme, yönelme ve mekanda kendini güvende hissetme gibi psikolojik ve sosyal gereksinimlerini de desteklemesi gerekliliği de vurgulanmaktadır. Kapsayıcı tasarım yaklaşımları, yaşlı bireylerin yaşam kalitesini artırmak için bütüncül çözümler sunmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, iç mekan tasarımının fiziksel güvenliğin ötesine geçerek psikososyal ihtiyaçları da karşılaması gerektiği vurgulanmakta ve interdisipliner, kullanıcı odaklı tasarım yaklaşımlarının önemi ortaya konmaktadır.

References

  • 1. Karlsson MK, Vonschewelov T, Karlsson C, Cöster M, Rosengen BE. Prevention of falls in the elderly: A review. Scand J Public Health. 2013;41(5):442–454. doi:10.1177/1403494813483215
  • 2. Lytras D, Sykaras E, Iakovidis P, Kasimis K, Myrogiannis I, Kottaras A. Recording of falls in elderly fallers in Northern Greece and evaluation of aging health-related factors and environmental safety associated with falls: A cross-sectional study. Occup Ther Int. 2022;2022:9292673. doi:10.1155/2022/9292673
  • 3. World Health Organization. Ageing and health [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
  • 4. Bradley SM. Falls in older adults. Mt Sinai J Med. 2011;78(4):590–595. doi:10.1002/msj.20294
  • 5. Moylan KC, Binder EF. Falls in older adults: risk assessment, management and prevention. Am J Med. 2007 Jun;120(6):493.e1‑6. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.07.022
  • 6. Chuangchai W. A review article: environmental hazards at home and ergonomics as fall prevention for elderly population. J Archit Plan Res Stud. 2017;14(1):1–20.
  • 7. Stevens JA. Falls among older adults: Risk factors and prevention strategies [Internet]. National Council on Aging Falls Free Initiative; [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.ncoa.org/resources/falls-among-older-adults
  • 8. Pati D, Valipoor S, Kazem-Zadeh M, Mihandoust S, Mohammadigorji S. Falls in older adults: A systematic review of literature on interior-scale elements of the built environment. J Aging Environ. 2020;34(4):351-374. doi:10.1080/02763893.2019.1683672
  • 9. Kenny RA, Romero-Ortuno R, Kumar P. Falls in older adults: Risk assessment, management, and prevention. Medicine. 2016;44(3):176–181. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2016.01.008
  • 10. Chanbenjapipu P, Chuangchai W, Thepmalee C, Wonghempoom A. A Review Article: Fall Incidents and Interior Architecture— Influence of Executive Function in Normal Ageing. J Archit Plan Res Stud. 2022. doi:10.56261/jars.v20i1.249299
  • 11. Wang C, Zhang Y, Wang J, Wan L, Li B, Ding H. A study on the falls factors among the older adult with cognitive impairment based on large-sample data. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1376993. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1376993
  • 12. Liu M, Hou T, Li Y, Sun X, Szanton SL, Clemson L, Davidson PM. Fear of falling is as important as multiple previous falls in terms of limiting daily activities: A longitudinal study. BMC Geriatr. 2021;21:350. doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02305-8
  • 13. Vaishya R, Vaish A. Falls in older adults are serious. Indian J Orthop. 2020 Jan 24;54(1):69‑74. doi:10.1007/s43465-019-00037-x
  • 14. Rogers ME, Rogers NL, Takeshima N, Islam MM. Reducing the risk for falls in the homes of older adults. J Housing Elderly. 2004;18(2):29-39. doi:10.1300/J081v18n02_03
  • 15. Vu HM, Ouengprasert I, Laosupap K, Bootsorn A, Junsiri S, Thongdamrongtham S, et al. Home environmental factors associated with falls among elderly in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:1363‑1373. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S456128
  • 16. Montero-Odasso M, Kamkar N, Pieruccini-Faria F, Osoba R, Hassan S, Sarquis-Adamson Y, et al. World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: A global initiative. Age Ageing. 2022;51(9):afac205. doi:10.1093/ageing/afac205
  • 17. National Council on Aging. Falls Free Initiative: Promoting evidence-based fall prevention strategies [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.ncoa.org
  • 18. British Standards Institution. BS 8300-2:2018 - Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment. Buildings – Code of practice [Internet]. The NBS; 2018 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.thenbs.com/PublicationIndex/documents/details?Pub=BSI&DocID=320547
  • 19. Standards Australia. AS 1428.1:2021 - Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/standard-details?designation=as-1428-1-2021
  • 20. T.C. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı. Konutlarda Yaşlılar İçin Erişilebilirlik ve Güvenlik Rehberi [İnternet]. Ankara: T.C. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı; 2025 [erişim 11 Haz 2025]. Erişilebileceği yer: https://www.aile.gov.tr
  • 21. El-Farargy N, Valipoor S, Albeaino G, Boubekri M. Older adults’ knowledge and perception of fall risk and prevention: A scoping review. HERD. 2023. doi:10.1177/19375867231165204
  • 22. Gharaveis A. A systematic framework for understanding environmental design influences on physical activity in the elderly population. Facilities. 2020;38(9/10):625–649. doi:10.1108/F-08-2018-0094
  • 23. Min W, Cui H, Rao H, Li Z, Yao L. Detection of human falls on furniture using scene analysis based on deep learning and activity characteristics. IEEE Access. 2018;6:9324–9334. doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2795239
  • 24. Mazloomy Mahmoodabad SS, Zareipour M, Askarishahi M, Beigomi A. Effect of the Living Environment on Falls Among the Elderly in Urmia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(11):2233–2238. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.434
  • 25. Wang F, Buranaut I, Zhang B, Liu J. Elderly-friendly indoor vertical dimensional layout method based on joint mobility. PLoS One. 2023;18(5):e0285741. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0285741
  • 26. Afifi M, Al-Hussein M, Bouferguene A. Geriatric bathroom design to minimize risk of falling for older adults–a systematic review. Eur Geriatr Med. 2015;6(6):598–603. doi:10.1016/j.eurger.2015.05.004
  • 27. Shi X, Zhang F. Analysis of the hanging actions and operating heights of storage furniture suitable for the elderly. Sensors. 2023;23(8):3850. doi:10.3390/s23083850
  • 28. Hrovatin J, Širok K, Jevšnik S, Oblak L, Berginc J. Adaptability of kitchen furniture for elderly people in terms of safety. Drv Ind. 2012;63(2):113–120. doi:10.5552/drind.2012.1128
  • 29. Lök N, Akın B. Domestic environmental risk factors associated with falling in elderly. Iran J Public Health. 2013;42(2):120–128. Available from: http://ijph.tums.ac.ir
  • 30. Lee S. Falls associated with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards among community-dwelling older adults between men and women. BMC Geriatr. 2021;21(1):547. doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02499-x

Safe Interior Design Approaches to Reduce Fall Risk in Older Adults

Year 2026, Volume: 17 Issue: 1 , 203 - 213 , 20.04.2026
https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1722897
https://izlik.org/JA59RM22AF

Abstract

Falls among older adults represent a significant public health concern worldwide, leading to serious injuries, hospitalizations, and loss of independence. With the rapid growth of the elderly population, the design of safe and accessible interior environments is increasingly recognized as a key preventive strategy for reducing fall risk. This study comprehensively examines the relationship between age-related physical and cognitive changes and fall risks stemming from interior design elements. It evaluates the role of various design components such as spatial layout, furniture selection, material choice and application, lighting, and color in fall prevention, and proposes design strategies to support the creation of safe and age-friendly interiors. National and international standards, guidelines developed in accordance with these standards, and recent research all indicate that interior designs that support mobility, facilitate perception, and enhance environmental awareness significantly reduce the risk of falls among older adults. Interior spaces prioritizing the safety of elderly individuals must not only ensure physical security but also meet psychological and social needs, such as independent movement, spatial orientation, and a sense of safety. Inclusive design approaches offer holistic solutions to improve the quality of life for the elderly. In conclusion, interior design must go beyond ensuring physical safety by addressing psychosocial needs as well, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary, user-centered design approaches.

References

  • 1. Karlsson MK, Vonschewelov T, Karlsson C, Cöster M, Rosengen BE. Prevention of falls in the elderly: A review. Scand J Public Health. 2013;41(5):442–454. doi:10.1177/1403494813483215
  • 2. Lytras D, Sykaras E, Iakovidis P, Kasimis K, Myrogiannis I, Kottaras A. Recording of falls in elderly fallers in Northern Greece and evaluation of aging health-related factors and environmental safety associated with falls: A cross-sectional study. Occup Ther Int. 2022;2022:9292673. doi:10.1155/2022/9292673
  • 3. World Health Organization. Ageing and health [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
  • 4. Bradley SM. Falls in older adults. Mt Sinai J Med. 2011;78(4):590–595. doi:10.1002/msj.20294
  • 5. Moylan KC, Binder EF. Falls in older adults: risk assessment, management and prevention. Am J Med. 2007 Jun;120(6):493.e1‑6. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.07.022
  • 6. Chuangchai W. A review article: environmental hazards at home and ergonomics as fall prevention for elderly population. J Archit Plan Res Stud. 2017;14(1):1–20.
  • 7. Stevens JA. Falls among older adults: Risk factors and prevention strategies [Internet]. National Council on Aging Falls Free Initiative; [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.ncoa.org/resources/falls-among-older-adults
  • 8. Pati D, Valipoor S, Kazem-Zadeh M, Mihandoust S, Mohammadigorji S. Falls in older adults: A systematic review of literature on interior-scale elements of the built environment. J Aging Environ. 2020;34(4):351-374. doi:10.1080/02763893.2019.1683672
  • 9. Kenny RA, Romero-Ortuno R, Kumar P. Falls in older adults: Risk assessment, management, and prevention. Medicine. 2016;44(3):176–181. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2016.01.008
  • 10. Chanbenjapipu P, Chuangchai W, Thepmalee C, Wonghempoom A. A Review Article: Fall Incidents and Interior Architecture— Influence of Executive Function in Normal Ageing. J Archit Plan Res Stud. 2022. doi:10.56261/jars.v20i1.249299
  • 11. Wang C, Zhang Y, Wang J, Wan L, Li B, Ding H. A study on the falls factors among the older adult with cognitive impairment based on large-sample data. Front Public Health. 2024;12:1376993. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1376993
  • 12. Liu M, Hou T, Li Y, Sun X, Szanton SL, Clemson L, Davidson PM. Fear of falling is as important as multiple previous falls in terms of limiting daily activities: A longitudinal study. BMC Geriatr. 2021;21:350. doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02305-8
  • 13. Vaishya R, Vaish A. Falls in older adults are serious. Indian J Orthop. 2020 Jan 24;54(1):69‑74. doi:10.1007/s43465-019-00037-x
  • 14. Rogers ME, Rogers NL, Takeshima N, Islam MM. Reducing the risk for falls in the homes of older adults. J Housing Elderly. 2004;18(2):29-39. doi:10.1300/J081v18n02_03
  • 15. Vu HM, Ouengprasert I, Laosupap K, Bootsorn A, Junsiri S, Thongdamrongtham S, et al. Home environmental factors associated with falls among elderly in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024;17:1363‑1373. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S456128
  • 16. Montero-Odasso M, Kamkar N, Pieruccini-Faria F, Osoba R, Hassan S, Sarquis-Adamson Y, et al. World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: A global initiative. Age Ageing. 2022;51(9):afac205. doi:10.1093/ageing/afac205
  • 17. National Council on Aging. Falls Free Initiative: Promoting evidence-based fall prevention strategies [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.ncoa.org
  • 18. British Standards Institution. BS 8300-2:2018 - Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment. Buildings – Code of practice [Internet]. The NBS; 2018 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.thenbs.com/PublicationIndex/documents/details?Pub=BSI&DocID=320547
  • 19. Standards Australia. AS 1428.1:2021 - Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/standard-details?designation=as-1428-1-2021
  • 20. T.C. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı. Konutlarda Yaşlılar İçin Erişilebilirlik ve Güvenlik Rehberi [İnternet]. Ankara: T.C. Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı; 2025 [erişim 11 Haz 2025]. Erişilebileceği yer: https://www.aile.gov.tr
  • 21. El-Farargy N, Valipoor S, Albeaino G, Boubekri M. Older adults’ knowledge and perception of fall risk and prevention: A scoping review. HERD. 2023. doi:10.1177/19375867231165204
  • 22. Gharaveis A. A systematic framework for understanding environmental design influences on physical activity in the elderly population. Facilities. 2020;38(9/10):625–649. doi:10.1108/F-08-2018-0094
  • 23. Min W, Cui H, Rao H, Li Z, Yao L. Detection of human falls on furniture using scene analysis based on deep learning and activity characteristics. IEEE Access. 2018;6:9324–9334. doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2795239
  • 24. Mazloomy Mahmoodabad SS, Zareipour M, Askarishahi M, Beigomi A. Effect of the Living Environment on Falls Among the Elderly in Urmia. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(11):2233–2238. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.434
  • 25. Wang F, Buranaut I, Zhang B, Liu J. Elderly-friendly indoor vertical dimensional layout method based on joint mobility. PLoS One. 2023;18(5):e0285741. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0285741
  • 26. Afifi M, Al-Hussein M, Bouferguene A. Geriatric bathroom design to minimize risk of falling for older adults–a systematic review. Eur Geriatr Med. 2015;6(6):598–603. doi:10.1016/j.eurger.2015.05.004
  • 27. Shi X, Zhang F. Analysis of the hanging actions and operating heights of storage furniture suitable for the elderly. Sensors. 2023;23(8):3850. doi:10.3390/s23083850
  • 28. Hrovatin J, Širok K, Jevšnik S, Oblak L, Berginc J. Adaptability of kitchen furniture for elderly people in terms of safety. Drv Ind. 2012;63(2):113–120. doi:10.5552/drind.2012.1128
  • 29. Lök N, Akın B. Domestic environmental risk factors associated with falling in elderly. Iran J Public Health. 2013;42(2):120–128. Available from: http://ijph.tums.ac.ir
  • 30. Lee S. Falls associated with indoor and outdoor environmental hazards among community-dwelling older adults between men and women. BMC Geriatr. 2021;21(1):547. doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02499-x
There are 30 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Aged Health Care
Journal Section Review
Authors

Zeynep Merve Çetin Derebek 0000-0003-2868-0303

Umut Şumnu 0000-0003-1172-0532

Submission Date June 19, 2025
Acceptance Date August 18, 2025
Publication Date April 20, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1722897
IZ https://izlik.org/JA59RM22AF
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 17 Issue: 1

Cite

Vancouver 1.Zeynep Merve Çetin Derebek, Umut Şumnu. Yaşlılıkta Düşme Rsikini Azaltmaya Yönelik Güvenli İç Mekan Yaklaşımları. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026 Apr. 1;17(1):203-1. doi:10.22312/sdusbed.1722897