The design of senior living communities has never been more critical. Over the next 15 years, households with members 65+ are expected to account for one-third of the U.S. housing needs, with the 80+ age group growing the fastest. As the global population ages, and the number of 65+ seniors reaches an estimated 1.5 billion by 2050, the demand for environments that support healthy, active aging becomes increasingly important.
With the industry shifting from “sick care” to “well care,” today’s senior environments must prioritize holistic wellness — fostering engagement, autonomy, and a strong sense of community. Interior designers play a vital role in shaping spaces that support residents’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.
By integrating evidence-based design principles, designers can create environments that promote mobility, cognitive function, and quality of life. Below, we explore key design considerations and how flooring — often overlooked — can significantly contribute to these goals.
Designing for Mobility and Safety
Mobility limitations make flooring selection crucial. Slip resistance, smooth transitions, and underfoot support help reduce fall risks while ensuring ease of movement. Low-profile, soft-surface flooring minimizes tripping hazards while providing comfort underfoot.
Supporting Visual Perception and Wayfinding
Aging affects visual acuity, depth perception, and contrast sensitivity, so flooring should offer subtle contrast between spaces while avoiding high-glare finishes. Thoughtfully designed, low-contrast patterns can provide visual interest without overwhelming the eye. The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) in their Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities, shared an association between falls and flooring with a medium-sized pattern (1 to 6 inches) was associated with more falls than floors with no pattern, a small pattern (less than 1 inch) or a large pattern (wider than 6 inches). Patterns of an appropriate scale can help aid navigation without causing disorientation, particularly for residents with eye disease and/or dementia.
Enhancing Acoustic Comfort
Hearing loss and sensitivity to background noise can impact seniors’ ability to engage in conversations and social activities. Hard surfaces often contribute to excessive noise, creating discomfort. Prioritizing sound absorption through soft-surface flooring helps create more serene communal spaces, improving both resident and staff experience.
Fostering a Sense of Community and Purpose
Senior living communities are more than residences — they are places where older adults form meaningful connections. Design should encourage social interaction through inviting common areas and multipurpose rooms. Flooring plays a role in setting the tone, helping to create a warm and hospitable atmosphere that fosters engagement and well-being.
Designing for Sustainability and Well-Being
Sustainability is integral to senior living design, with growing emphasis on material health and indoor air quality. Flooring that meets rigorous environmental and health standards — such as Cradle to Cradle Certified® and CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy Friendly® products — can support healthier indoor environments by reducing allergens and VOCs.
Designing with Empathy and Expertise
Creating senior living environments that support the full continuum of care requires blending aesthetics with function. Flooring is more than just a surface — it is a foundation for mobility, safety, and comfort. By prioritizing evidence-based design and innovative products, designers can shape spaces that empower seniors to live with dignity, independence, and joy.
As senior living design evolves, flooring collections like Tarkett’s Preserved Treasures offer a thoughtful balance of beauty, durability, and wellness-driven design, meeting today’s needs while anticipating the future of senior living. Learn more at commercial.tarkett.com/Preserved-Treasures.
About the Author
Sandra Soraci, EDAC, LEED AP, NCIDQ, IIDA, RCR, is the director of healthcare and senior living segment strategy for Tarkett North America. Using an evidence-based design approach, Soraci contributes to Tarkett’s overall mission of creating flooring solutions that contribute to greater connection, safety, and overall well-being. Soraci’s passion is to educate and support material specifiers within the ever-changing environment of healthcare and senior living design, based on what healthcare professionals have said they need the floor to contribute.