Having purpose is an essential part of living well. Purpose has been linked to lower risk of mortality, protection against cognitive decline, and better mental health, in part, because it provides motivation and guidance for engaging in fulfilling activity. As people get older, various physical, psychological, and social changes may impede the experience of purpose and meaning in life. In this symposium, we explore how rethinking the design of living and community spaces may facilitate the pursuit and experience of purpose in later life. First, we will present evidence for the importance of purpose in life in later life, how it is experienced, and how the environment may play a larger role as people age. Second, we will present a review on the historical background of senior living in America, how its past has affected the present state of senior living. Third, we will present a case study of a senior center/housing facility being built in New York City and discuss how design goals were determined and implemented and various challenges that were faced. Fourth, we will explore the power of landscapes to shape experience and nurture engagement in the elderly. Fifth, we will discuss how previous partnerships between senior communities and universities have fostered intergenerational relationships and meaningful volunteer opportunities for the elderly. Lastly, our discussant will integrate these different perspectives and provide some ideas for future directions.
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