Integration Integration means being part of something larger than yourself, a sense of belonging and participation- a primary sensation of not being alone. Social isolation is common among the elderly, so environments where they reside should therefore be designed to prevent these issues, maintain community and encourage integration among the residents, staff and visitors. Attractivity Studies of the walking habits of the elderly show a connection between what an environment looks like and how much they walk.

One study looked at the actual ?attractiveness? of the walk in the experienced physical environment. The result showed three main aspects affecting the will to take a walk: how clean it is, the aesthetic value of the surroundings and the presence of other people. Close to Nature Research shows how exterior surroundings can act as an important contributor to rehabilitation and wellbeing. It counts both from an interior point of view, such as seeing the garden, and also from an exterior point of view, such as being able to visit the garden.

Gardens alleviate stress, and satisfy the need of a social meeting point. The focus of the proposal is the importance of being able to independently use the outdoor space, and the different gardens depending on your changing needs."