Toward Age-Friendly Housing: Understanding Older Adults' Preferences in Khuzestan, Iran

This study employs a multidisciplinary questionnaire to explore the housing needs of older adults in Khuzestan province, Iran, focusing on social, design, and affordability factors that impact well-being. A survey of 374 participants aged 65-84 years was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-sample t-test, Friedman ranking test, cross-tabulation analysis, and chi-squared test. The results indicate a preference for aging in place with home modifications rather than moving to nursing homes, highlighting the importance of safety features, natural light, and greenery. Participants valued friendly neighbors and mixed-age communities over heavy security measures, emphasizing the significance of social connections. Cost emerged as the primary barrier to suitable housing, underscoring the urgent need for community-oriented, secure, and affordable solutions. These findings contribute to filling a significant gap in research on Iranian older adults' perspectives regarding their housing needs, helping to prioritize their well-being.