The Role of Housing in the Infantilizatio of Older Adult

Abstract

This research article addresses the infantilization of older adults (OAs) as a social dynamic that undermines their autonomy and participation. It manifests through overprotection, condescending language, the assignment of passive roles, and acquired dependency. Although this issue has been explored in gerontology, there remains a gap in understanding the role of the physical environment in shaping habits that reinforce such dependency, particularly within the home. This article analyzes how housing design can contribute to the loss of autonomy and promote infantilizing treatment toward OAs. The study was conducted with OAs who met three criteria: maintaining functional capacity, cohabiting with at least one other person, and being between 65 and 80 years of age. A matrix of environmental characteristics was developed to compare information from the perspective of universal accessibility. The methodology is based on the Competence–Environmental Press Model, the theory of successful aging, and the dimensions of universal accessibility. Results show that in homes with lower levels of universal accessibility, older adults exhibit higher levels of dependency and are more frequently subjected to infantilizing treatment. The article proposes interventions based on criteria that strengthen the functional and cognitive autonomy of older adults.

Keywords: autonomy, housing, infantilization, older adults, universal accessibility.