When I was reading a paper that I wrote in the past, I found this phrase: “this spatial configuration may enhance socialization among elders…”

All of a sudden, the term “socialization” in this context sounded so institutional to me. I was embarrassed that I arrogantly thought that we could organize elders’ life around how we design. I would be so offended if I was the elder I referred to in my paper. It sounded to me almost like “programmed activities.” Doesn’t “programed socialization” sound awful? I have a lot to think about what socialization means to us.

Of course the physical environment plays an important role in making a pleasant living experience possible.  However, we should be mindful about the balance between designing by designers’ best intentions and helping users create a space where they can be themselves.

Environmental determinism can be a harmful approach for person-centered care, because it does not make allowances for different personalities and preferences among individuals.