A Typical House From 1960-1980 In Slovenia and Croatia - Challenge For The Design of A Modern Residency - 'Silver House'

Aging leads to physical and psychological decline inevitably affecting the older for independent living especially in big homes. The goal of new dwellings is to satisfy the needs of older generation for staying independent and maintaining self-determination and individuality as long as possible. In Slovenia and Croatia 81% and 89.9% of all houses are privately owned. Slightly more than 40% of them belong to retirees. These houses are typical construction from the second half of the 20th century, built for at least two families, mostly oversized, and energy wasteful. Project 'Silver House' represents the new concept of construction, organization, and ownership of typical, rural-suburban house into a contemporary home for 4 to 6 people, enabling independent and successful aging. The renovation, based on the participation of the home-owner, is conceived as a residential community. ‘Silver House’ residents are formally cared by a professional, multidisciplinary team that collaborates with other local institutions and proved services to other ‘Silver Houses’ in a region, coordinated by a social gerontologist, and an informal network of volunteers. The quality of living is upgraded by a self-care system of a permaculture, a technologically supported social gerontologist's professional plan for fall prevention and integrated 'high-tech' remote care (ICT). The introduction of the 'Silver Houses' concept can speed up and increase the new services and programs for the olders, create jobs, and reduce the emigration of young people from rural areas. It is a modern, user, environment, and community friendly model for high quality living in old age.