A Forever-21 Dorm
based on the
Counter-clockwise Study
With Professor Langer's work in 1979[1], we have been shown how mental states in group situations have the potential for creating the reversal of an aging process.
In this article, I believe we can utilize Langer's ideas in creating a so-called "Forever 21 Dormitory."
Counterclockwise Study
In 1979, Harvard University psychologist Ellen Langer and her students have devised a study named "counterclockwise study"—to look at what effects turning back the clock psychologically would have on people’s physiological state.
They have selected participants, divided them into two groups of eight—an experimental group and a control group. An old monastery in Peterborough, New Hampshire was selected and retrofit to replicate the world of 1959. The “experimental” group of participants would live there for a week going about their lives as though that year were the present.
The second group–the control group–went on a separate retreat held a week later. But, their minds were kept focused on the fact that it was not 1959 and they would reminisce about the past.
What Professor Langer wanted to know was whether the body clock of a group of men in their 70s and 80s could be re-set to 1959 by their collective mindset.
After just a week, those in the experimental group (compared with a control group of similar aged men) measured significant physical and mental changes in a range of areas:
They had less arthritis;
More joint flexibility;
Improved posture and gait;
Better hearing and eyesight;
Sharper minds and better performance on mental tasks;
Elevated spirits and optimism about life.
This was after only seven days of pretending they were young again!
Communal Living
A total of 46 Fujian Tulou[3&4] sites have been inscribed in 2008 by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, as "exceptional examples of a building tradition and function exemplifying a particular type of communal living and defensive organization in a harmonious relationship with their environment".
Tulous were built in round or square shape with a central open courtyard inside. Unlike other housing types around the world with architecture reflecting social hierarchy, Tulou exhibits its unique characteristic as a model of community housing for equals. Besides the building itself, many facilities such as water wells, ceremonial hall, bathrooms, wash rooms, and weaponry were shared property. The whole structure is a well-lit, well-ventilated, windproof and earthquake-proof building that is warm in winter and cool in summer.
Another communal housing is exemplified by Tietgen Dormitory[5] — Copenhagen, Denmark. The principle inspiration for the architecture is the meeting of the collective and the individual, a characteristic inherent to the dormitory building type.
The upper levels are organized with 360 residence units along the perimeter and the communal functions are oriented toward the inner courtyard. Facilities common to the entire dormitory are grouped at ground level. For example, there are two music rooms — one with a piano, and one with a drum set. There’s a gym and outdoor areas for basketball and table tennis. Perhaps the most fun part of all are the large communal kitchens stocked with Scandinavian tableware and all manner of cooking utensils and equipment.
Forever 21 Dorm
Langer's findings may have tremendous implications[2] for revolutionizing the nursing home and retirement home industries. Instead of seniors wasting away in front of televisions and playing nothing but cards and bingo, Langer's findings show us opportunities for developing stimulating activities that challenge seniors to think and act in more creative and youthful ways, which in turn might give life more joy and meaning.
Maybe we can create a community of like minded and heart'ed individuals living in an environment that would persuasively mimic the past for its residents. For example, Fifties Themed Dorm, Sixties Themed Dorm, etc.—Forever 21 Dormitories.
The community can be built using the same principle design underlying the architecture of Fugian Tulou and Tietgen Dormitory.
The Forever 21 Dorm will be a community housing which
Emphasizes equals
Facilitates sharing
Puts residents more in control of their lives[9]
A nursing home, for example, could allow residents to select their own food options and mealtimes, rather than mandating a set menu and dinnertime
Re-creates collective youthful mindset
Its environment will help its residents relive a period of their youthful past. They can:
Enjoy movies and TV programs of the past
Form discussion groups about events and politics of the time
Taste foods from restaurants they used to enjoy
or whatever group activities that can reinvigorate them with youthful enthusiasm. Youthfulness can truly be developed as a state of mind. If the group mind set is healthy and youthful, then the group can be healthy and forever 21.
An Forever 21 Dorm as described here is my dream. I also believes that "If you build it, people will come."
References
Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility
Is this Finnish school the perfect design?
The walls are coming down in Finland’s schools – but not just the physical barriers between classrooms. Also going are divisions between subjects and age ranges
Agrihoods: the urban communities built around their own farms
This May Be the Secret to Feeling Younger and Living Longer
Feeling younger than your actual age has also been linked to a lower dementia risk and better mental health, and studies suggest that subjective age may be just as important to your health as chronological age.
But feeling in control may not be the only way to feel younger. Other research presented at the APA conference found that physical activity— specifically walking — was associated with a lower subjective age among adults ages 35 to 69. Social interaction may also help elderly adults feel younger, research has shown.