Exploring Elderly Housing Needs in Chinese Cities in the Era of Smart Living

Abstract

In the context of an increasingly intelligent society, the needs of the elderly for home environments are changing significantly. This study focuses on analyzing the living space requirements of elderly residents in Chinese cities by combining literature research and semi-structured interviews with 11 elderly participants aged 60–75. Through qualitative data analysis using tools such as Excel and NVivo, this research identifies key needs of the elderly in aspects such as health, safety, social interaction, and smart technology integration. The findings reveal critical problems in kitchen and bathroom design, highlight the need for user-friendly smart home products, and emphasize the importance of health monitoring and emotional support. The study provides practical guidance for aging-friendly housing design and smart home system planning, aiming to improve residential satisfaction and quality of life for the elderly population.