#43 - The Link Between Home Design And Cognitive Health

We explore the crucial connection between home design and cognitive health, examining how our living spaces can support brain function, emotional wellbeing, and independence as we age. 

Understanding this relationship allows us to create environments that keep our minds sharp and engaged while supporting aging in place.

• Research shows we spend 80-90% of our time indoors, mostly at home
• Familiar surroundings help maintain memory retention and cognitive function, especially for those with dementia
• Varied textures, colors, and natural light keep senses engaged and support brain health
• Mental and cognitive health are interconnected—reducing stress at home supports brain function
• Color and light affect mood and sleep quality, which impact cognitive performance
• Cluttered environments increase stress hormones and make focus difficult
• Nature elements indoors reduce stress and improve concentration
• Small, intentional changes can yield significant cognitive benefits

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Chapters

• 1:05 Welcome and Introduction
• 2:13 Home Design and Mental Health
• 4:46 Seven Practical Strategies
• 8:53 Neighborhoods and Community Impact
• 10:23 Small Changes, Big Results
• 10:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:33

Welcome to the Aging in Place Directory Podcast. I'm your host, robin Schiltz, and today we're exploring a topic that's both timely and timeless the link between home design and cognitive health. Whether you're planning to age in place, support a loved one or simply want to feel better at home, understanding how our surroundings shape our minds is essential. So settle in and let's explore how the spaces we live in can help keep our minds sharp, calm and connected. Let's start with a simple truth Our homes are more than just places to sleep and eat. They're the backdrop to our daily lives, the stage for our memories and, believe it or not, one of the most powerful tools we have for supporting our cognitive health. Think about it we spend between 80 and 90 percent of our time indoors, with most of that at home. The design of these spaces, including everything from lighting and color to layout and clutter, can either nurture our minds or chip away at our well-being, and clutter can either nurture our minds or chip away at our well-being. So what does science say about the connection between home design and cognitive health? A lot, actually. For older adults, especially those living with Alzheimer's or dementia, familiar surroundings play a crucial role in maintaining memory retention and cognitive function. Staying in a known environment reduces confusion, lowers anxiety and helps people hold on to their sense of self. The comfort of familiar objects, photos and layouts provides psychological stability and can even slow cognitive decline. Our brains thrive on stimulation, so spaces that offer varied textures, colors and natural light keep our senses engaged, which, in turn, supports cognitive function. On the flip side, drab, monotonous or overly cluttered environments can dull our senses and contribute to cognitive fatigue. Cluttered environments can dull our senses and contribute to cognitive fatigue.

Speaker 1: 2:40

Physical movement is a key ingredient for brain health. Homes designed to encourage movement, such as with open layouts, accessible pathways and safe stairs, help residents stay active, which is directly linked to reduced risk of cognitive decline. Even simple features like grab bars or well-placed seating can make all the difference in encouraging movement and independence. How about social interaction and community? Well, isolation is a major risk factor for cognitive decline. Homes that facilitate social connections through communal spaces, inviting living areas or easy access to neighborhood amenities help to keep our minds engaged and our spirits high, whether it's a shared garden or a cozy kitchen table, spaces that bring people together are vital for cognitive and emotional health. Bring people together are vital for cognitive and emotional health. How home design influences mental health and why that matters for cognition. Well, mental health and cognitive health are two sides of the same coin. A home that supports emotional balance by reducing stress, offering comfort and fostering a sense of safety also supports cognitive resilience.

Speaker 1: 3:59

How about the power of color and light? Color isn't just about aesthetics. Cool blues and greens can create a calming environment, while warm yellows and oranges can energize and uplift. Natural light, meanwhile, helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, supporting better sleep and mood. Poor lighting, especially too much artificial blue light, can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to depression, which in turn affects cognitive function.

Speaker 1: 4:31

Let's look at clutter and organization. Have you ever felt frazzled in a messy room? Well, you're not alone. Research shows that cluttered environments increase stress hormones like cortisol, making it harder to relax or stay focused. On the other hand, organized spaces with smart storage solutions promote mental clarity and peace. Less clutter equals less chaos, which equals more room for your mind to breathe.

Speaker 1: 5:00

How about nature? Incorporating that into design? Bringing nature indoors through plants, natural materials or even artwork that depicts landscapes has been shown to reduce stress, improve concentration and enhance memory retention. You don't need a green thumb. Even a few potted plants or a scenic view can make a difference, and it doesn't even have to be a live plant. You can have a plastic plant and it still makes a difference. How about aesthetics and personalization? Well, personal touches do matter. Spaces that reflect our personalities and histories through photos, handmade items or favorite colors create a sense of belonging and comfort. This emotional connection to our environment supports both mental and cognitive health.

Speaker 1: 5:52

All right, let's get practical. What can you do today to make your home a haven for cognitive health? Well, here are some evidence-based strategies. Number one maximize natural light. Open curtains and blinds during the day, use light reflective colors on walls and consider adding skylights or solar tubes in darker rooms. Number two is reduce clutter. Invest in smart storage baskets, shelves and cabinets. Storage baskets, shelves and cabinets Regularly declare surfaces and donate unused items. Designate drop zones for keys, mail and other daily essentials.

Speaker 1: 6:38

Number three bring nature indoors. Add houseplants or fresh flowers. Use natural materials like wood, stone or bamboo materials like wood, stone or bamboo. Hang artwork featuring landscapes or nature scenes. Number four is create zones for activity and rest. Designate quiet areas for reading or relaxation. Set up spaces for hobbies or exercise. Ensure bedrooms are calm, cool and free from distractions.

Speaker 1: 7:04

Number five is enhance safety and accessibility. Install grab bars, non-slip mats and adequate lighting in hallways and bathrooms. Arrange furniture to allow easy movement and reduce fall risks. Use contrasting colors for steps or thresholds to aid those with visual impairments. Number six is to foster social connection. Arrange seating to encourage conversation. Create inviting outdoor spaces for all gatherings and make it easy to access community areas or invite friends over.

Speaker 1: 7:40

Number seven is to personalize your space. Display family photos, heirlooms and favorite artwork. Choose colors and textures that make you feel at home. Involve loved ones in decorating and organizing. And don't forget about technology. Smart home devices can enhance your safety, independence and cognitive engagement. From voice-activated assistance to reminders for medications or appointments, technology can be a powerful ally in supporting cognitive health. Just be sure it's user-friendly and doesn't add unnecessary complexity.

Speaker 1: 8:18

And now let's talk about the built-in environment beyond the front door. It's really not just the inside of our home that matters. The neighborhoods and communities we live in also play a vital role in cognitive health. Walkable neighborhoods encourage physical activity and social interaction, both of which are linked to better brain health. Access to green spaces such as parks, gardens or even tree-lined streets reduces stress and supports cognitive function, and community centers and gardening spots foster social engagement, helping to prevent isolation and loneliness.

Speaker 1: 8:56

When planning for aging in place, consider not just the home itself, but the broader environment. Is it easy to get outside, meet your neighbors or participate in community events? Factors such as this create or contribute to a richer, more cognitively stimulating life, and big impacts can come from small changes. You don't need to have a full renovation to make your home more cognitively supportive. Even small, intentional changes like adding a plant, improving lighting or reorganizing a room can have a profound effect on mental and cognitive well-being. A 2022 study found that individuals who made minor improvements to their living environment reported a 21% reduction in stress levels over six months. So imagine what a few thoughtful tweaks could do for you or your loved ones.

Speaker 1: 9:51

Our homes are powerful allies in the journey of aging well. By understanding the link between home design and cognitive health, we can create spaces that not only look good but feel good and help us stay sharp, connected and independent for years to come. So whether you're rearranging your living room, planning a remodel or just adding a splash of color, remember that every design choice is an opportunity to support your mind and spirit. So thank you for joining me on the Aging in Place Directory podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend and check out our website at aginginplacedirectorycom for more tips on living well at home. Until next time, take care and take care of your space. Bye.