Factors Affecting the Shopping Experience in Supermarkets for Senior Citizens of Sri Lank

Abstract

Sri Lanka is at risk of an aging population and the birth rate is at a decrease and the number of elder people is increasing day by day. It is no doubt that under this critical condition, it is important and mandatory to consider more about age friendly spaces for facilitating enough comfort and contentment to them. It is universally accepted that most elderly people manifest their preference for shopping in supermarkets, and leisure activities they regularly do or particularly enjoy. As a result of this situation supermarket industry has a huge chance to increase and expand their market. But Sri Lankan supermarket industry have not yet capitalized on the opportunity created by the growing aging population by catering to their needs inconvenience. On the other hand, aging includes common changes including vision, hearing (audibility), accessibility, which is to be considered in the interior design of a common age-friendly spaces to facilitate the health, well being of elderly people and assures accessible, safe, secure, supportive, fair, and inclusive built forms. Internationally most of the researchers state in their articles that design factors can affect seniors within supermarkets. However, in Sri Lanka, researches related to this topic have not been conducted. The purpose of this research is to identify the reasons which are valid to the Sri Lankan supermarket industry. The author decided to do this study to examine the most effective factors for designing age-friendly supermarket interiors in Sri Lanka to improve self-independence and wellness of elderly people. Data collection for this research was done by using qualitative data methods. Searching online professional journals, newspaper articles, and books, and photographic surveys were used to collect required data. Sathosa supermarkets within Gampaha district are selected to do the case studies to find out the most effective specific factors for designing an age-friendly supermarket interiors in Sri Lanka. So it is conclusive that seniors need well arranged supermarket layout, proper arrangements of equipment, comfortable lighting system and most suitable floorings in Sri Lankan supermarkets to make them satisfied by improving age friendliness within the built environment.