The design of housing for the elderly should, insofar as possible, take into account their needs and preferences. Direct solicitation of potential users' views was facilitated by use of slide shows, illustrating specific design alternatives, shown to small groups of the elderly, with concurrent discussion and "voting." (Author)

Examined preferences for physical design characteristics of group living facilities of 229 congregate apartment residents, 205 older community residents, and 44 experts. Found that older groups of subjects had similar physical design preferences, whereas experts preferred more physical features than did older adults. (Author/NB)

Presents a technique for assessing elderly residents' priorities and desired environmental characteristics for in-unit activities. Considered three components in design priority for activities: time spent, unit adequacy, and importance. Residents' high priority activites were sleeping, watching television, preparing food, resting, and eating. (NRB)