#43 - The Link Between Home Design And Cognitive Health

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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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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
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 andtimeless the link between home
design and cognitive health.
Whether you're planning to agein place, support a loved one or
simply want to feel better athome, understanding how our
surroundings shape our minds isessential.

(00:22):
So settle in and let's explorehow the spaces we live in can
help keep our minds sharp, calmand connected.
Let's start with a simple truthOur homes are more than just
places to sleep and eat.
They're the backdrop to ourdaily lives, the stage for our
memories and, believe it or not,one of the most powerful tools

(00:44):
we have for supporting ourcognitive health.
Think about it we spend between80 and 90 percent of our time
indoors, with most of that athome.
The design of these spaces,including everything from
lighting and color to layout andclutter, can either nurture our
minds or chip away at ourwell-being, and clutter can

(01:07):
either nurture our minds or chipaway at our well-being.
So what does science say aboutthe connection between home
design and cognitive health?
A lot, actually.
For older adults, especiallythose living with Alzheimer's or
dementia, familiar surroundingsplay a crucial role in
maintaining memory retention andcognitive function.
Staying in a known environmentreduces confusion, lowers

(01:29):
anxiety and helps people hold onto their sense of self.
The comfort of familiar objects, photos and layouts provides
psychological stability and caneven slow cognitive decline.
Our brains thrive onstimulation, so spaces that
offer varied textures, colorsand natural light keep our

(01:51):
senses engaged, which, in turn,supports cognitive function.
On the flip side, drab,monotonous or overly cluttered
environments can dull our sensesand contribute to cognitive
fatigue.
Cluttered environments can dullour senses and contribute to
cognitive fatigue.
Physical movement is a keyingredient for brain health.
Homes designed to encouragemovement, such as with open

(02:21):
layouts, accessible pathways andsafe stairs, help residents
stay active, which is directlylinked to reduced risk of
cognitive decline.
Even simple features like grabbars or well-placed seating can
make all the difference inencouraging movement and
independence.
How about social interactionand community?
Well, isolation is a major riskfactor for cognitive decline.

(02:41):
Homes that facilitate socialconnections through communal
spaces, inviting living areas oreasy access to neighborhood
amenities help to keep our mindsengaged and our spirits high,
whether it's a shared garden ora cozy kitchen table, spaces
that bring people together arevital for cognitive and

(03:03):
emotional health.
Bring people together are vitalfor cognitive and emotional
health.
How home design influencesmental health and why that
matters for cognition.
Well, mental health andcognitive health are two sides
of the same coin.
A home that supports emotionalbalance by reducing stress,
offering comfort and fostering asense of safety also supports

(03:25):
cognitive resilience.
How about the power of color andlight?
Color isn't just aboutaesthetics.
Cool blues and greens cancreate a calming environment,
while warm yellows and orangescan energize and uplift.
Natural light, meanwhile, helpsto regulate our circadian

(03:45):
rhythms, supporting better sleepand mood.
Poor lighting, especially toomuch artificial blue light, can
disrupt sleep patterns andcontribute to depression, which
in turn affects cognitivefunction.
Let's look at clutter andorganization.
Have you ever felt frazzled ina messy room?
Well, you're not alone.

(04:06):
Research shows that clutteredenvironments increase stress
hormones like cortisol, makingit harder to relax or stay
focused.
On the other hand, organizedspaces with smart storage
solutions promote mental clarityand peace.
Less clutter equals less chaos,which equals more room for your

(04:26):
mind to breathe.
How about nature?
Incorporating that into design?
Bringing nature indoors throughplants, natural materials or
even artwork that depictslandscapes has been shown to
reduce stress, improveconcentration and enhance memory
retention.
You don't need a green thumb.

(04:47):
Even a few potted plants or ascenic view can make a
difference, and it doesn't evenhave to be a live plant.
You can have a plastic plantand it still makes a difference.
How about aesthetics andpersonalization?
Well, personal touches domatter.
Spaces that reflect ourpersonalities and histories

(05:07):
through photos, handmade itemsor favorite colors create a
sense of belonging and comfort.
This emotional connection toour environment supports both
mental and cognitive health.
All right, let's get practical.
What can you do today to makeyour home a haven for cognitive
health?
Well, here are someevidence-based strategies.

(05:29):
Number one maximize naturallight.
Open curtains and blinds duringthe day, use light reflective
colors on walls and consideradding skylights or solar tubes
in darker rooms.
Number two is reduce clutter.
Invest in smart storage baskets, shelves and cabinets.

(05:51):
Storage baskets, shelves andcabinets Regularly declare
surfaces and donate unused items.
Designate drop zones for keys,mail and other daily essentials.
Number three bring natureindoors.
Add houseplants or freshflowers.
Use natural materials like wood, stone or bamboo materials like

(06:15):
wood, stone or bamboo.
Hang artwork featuringlandscapes or nature scenes.
Number four is create zones foractivity and rest.
Designate quiet areas forreading or relaxation.
Set up spaces for hobbies orexercise.
Ensure bedrooms are calm, cooland free from distractions.
Number five is enhance safetyand accessibility.
Install grab bars, non-slipmats and adequate lighting in

(06:39):
hallways and bathrooms.
Arrange furniture to allow easymovement and reduce fall risks.
Use contrasting colors forsteps or thresholds to aid those
with visual impairments.
Number six is to foster socialconnection.
Arrange seating to encourageconversation.
Create inviting outdoor spacesfor all gatherings and make it

(07:03):
easy to access community areasor invite friends over.
Number seven is to personalizeyour space.
Display family photos,heirlooms and favorite artwork.
Choose colors and textures thatmake you feel at home.
Involve loved ones indecorating and organizing.
And don't forget abouttechnology.

(07:25):
Smart home devices can enhanceyour safety, independence and
cognitive engagement.
From voice-activated assistanceto reminders for medications or
appointments, technology can bea powerful ally in supporting
cognitive health.
Just be sure it's user-friendlyand doesn't add unnecessary
complexity.

(07:46):
And now let's talk about thebuilt-in environment beyond the
front door.
It's really not just the insideof our home that matters.
The neighborhoods andcommunities we live in also play
a vital role in cognitivehealth.
Walkable neighborhoodsencourage physical activity and
social interaction, both ofwhich are linked to better brain

(08:06):
health.
Access to green spaces such asparks, gardens or even
tree-lined streets reducesstress and supports cognitive
function, and community centersand gardening spots foster
social engagement, helping toprevent isolation and loneliness
.
When planning for aging in place, consider not just the home

(08:27):
itself, but the broaderenvironment.
Is it easy to get outside, meetyour neighbors or participate
in community events?
Factors such as this create orcontribute to a richer, more
cognitively stimulating life,and big impacts can come from
small changes.
You don't need to have a fullrenovation to make your home

(08:49):
more cognitively supportive.
Even small, intentional changeslike adding a plant, improving
lighting or reorganizing a roomcan have a profound effect on
mental and cognitive well-being.
A 2022 study found thatindividuals who made minor
improvements to their livingenvironment reported a 21%
reduction in stress levels oversix months.

(09:11):
So imagine what a fewthoughtful tweaks could do for
you or your loved ones.
Our homes are powerful allies inthe journey of aging well.
By understanding the linkbetween home design and
cognitive health, we can createspaces that not only look good
but feel good and help us staysharp, connected and independent

(09:33):
for years to come.
So whether you're rearrangingyour living room, planning a
remodel or just adding a splashof color, remember that every
design choice is an opportunityto support your mind and spirit.
So thank you for joining me onthe Aging in Place Directory
podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, besure to subscribe, share it

(09:54):
with a friend and check out ourwebsite at
aginginplacedirectorycom formore tips on living well at home
.
Until next time, take care andtake care of your space.
Bye.