The Influence of Ambient Factors on Emotional Wellbeing of Older Adults: A Review

Abstract

This work conducts a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and using software tools like Covidence^® 2024 and Nvivo^® 15 for thematic analysis, aiming to examine significant studies on the impact of external factors on the emotional wellbeing of older adults and propose new conclusions and future research directions. In this context, studies using sensors to measure factors such as ambient temperature or lighting are key to understanding their impact on the emotional wellbeing of older individuals. These technologies offer opportunities to monitor and adapt environments in real-time, enabling targeted interventions. It is widely recognised that aspects like noise levels, ambient temperature, or lighting can influence an individual's mood and overall wellbeing; however, it is crucial to further explore the effect of less studied factors. This review not only validates and questions popular beliefs about these factors but also highlights how the results can be useful for designing living environments that enhance the emotional wellbeing of the elderly and for establishing new directions in related research. By addressing these factors, this review provides actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and care providers to design environments that enhance the emotional wellbeing of older adults. Furthermore, this study not only validates previous knowledge but also highlights the need for future interdisciplinary interventions that integrate these factors holistically.

Keywords: designing for the elderly; environmental design; home health; information processing; knowledge acquisition; sensors.

Figure 1

Flow diagram for the study selection process.