THESIS ABSTRACT
This thesis investigates the role of interior design in promoting health and well-being among women ages 65-74 who live alone. It examines the relationship between physical, social, and cognitive activities and their impact on health outcomes from a biopsychosocial perspective. The study aims to identify lifestyle factors and design principles that promote healthy habit formation and enhance overall quality of life. It emphasizes creativity as a critical component to supporting whole health. Creativity is essential to a well-lived life—it empowers individuals to adapt, thrive, and discover new opportunities in their everyday lives. Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and case studies, the research provides actionable insights, including a design framework, for creating a dynamic and empowering community creativity hub where mature women can discover new interests, forge enduring friendships, and share their distinct talents and passions to support holistic health and collective well-being.
Read thesis online at SCAD Libraries: https://library.scad.edu/record=b1971668
