A Study on the Types of Senior Complex Cultural Spaces for Active Seniors

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) As Korea has entered a super-aged society with the rapid aging, a new elderly generation called active seniors has emerged among the baby boomer generation. They tend to continue active social, leisure, and consumption activities in their post-retirement lives, leading an independent and dynamic lifestyle. In response to the trend, it is necessary to establish senior complex cultural facilities that are differentiated from existing senior leisure welfare facilities. These new facilities should be systematically designed to accommodate the needs of active seniors in their leisure and post-retirement lives. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore and analyze the appropriate spatial types for such facilities. (Method) First, a theoretical review was conducted on the importance of active seniors and elderly leisure, and the concept of active aging through previous studies. Second, existing senior leisure welfare facilities were examined, and an analysis was conducted on the programs and spaces operated for active seniors within senior complex cultural spaces. Third, the analysis was conducted on 8 facilities that have been opened and operated within 10 years by organizing them according to major program operation spaces. Fourth, based on the analysis of the eight cases, four complex types were derived and summarized. (Results) Analyzing the complex spatial types in each case, four types were identified. First type operates a senior center, replacing an old one in a newly constructed building while serving as a senior complex cultural space. Second type operates a health management and fitness facility while serving as a senior complex cultural space. Third type operates an employment training and social participation facility while serving as a senior complex cultural space. Lastly, fourth type operates a facility to promote community engagement with local residents while serving as a senior complex cultural space. (Conclusions) This study analyzed senior complex cultural space, supporting the post-retirement lives of active seniors who have newly emerged with the entry into the super-aged society, and classified the primary functions of these spaces into four types: senior welfare-oriented type, health promotion-oriented type, social participation-oriented type and community-oriented type. In addition, the types were categorized based on the four key elements of active aging: health, participation, security, and economic activity. However, it was found that spaces for economic activity were insufficient, so it is necessary to create the spaces supporting employment for economic activity and expand related programs. Therefore, this study suggests the need for follow-up research and policy support on senior complex cultural spaces to ensure the post-retirement quality of life for active seniors.