Determination of Effective Criteria on the Improvement of Seniors’ Mental Health Using Biophilic Design: A Case Study on District 1 of Tehran Municipality

The aim of this study is to determine the effective criteria for promoting mental health in the elderly using the biophilic approach. In achieving it, descriptive-analytical methods have been used in a survey context. To collect information, a standard questionnaire was developed based on biophilic criteria. The sample size was calculated according to Cochran's formula (5% error rate) and experts' recommendations. Questionnaires were distributed as a random sampling method among the elderly in the nursing home with moderate to high mental health. Answering the questions, according to the level of ability of the elderly, is done in the form of questions and answers between the researcher and the elderly or by the elderly themselves. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Findings indicate a significant relationship between biophilic patterns and mental health of the elderly. Visual connection with nature (except for one sub-criterion), proximity to water, non-visual connection with nature, connection with natural systems, thermal and air diversity, landscape or landscape, dynamism and splendor, connection with natural materials, effective criteria and Irregular and rhythmic sensory stimuli, risk-taking, complexity and simplicity, biomorphic patterns and forms, mysterious environment and shelter, are ineffective criteria for the mental health of the elderly.The results indicate that seeing flowers and plants (average: 4.73 out of 5) has the greatest effect and the brightness of polished plates due to light radiation (average: 2.19 out of 5) has the least effect on promoting mental health in the elderly. Findings indicate a significant relationship between biophilic patterns and mental health of the elderly. Visual connection with nature (except for one sub-criterion), proximity to water, non-visual connection with nature, connection with natural systems, thermal and air diversity, landscape or landscape, dynamism and splendor, connection with natural materials, effective criteria and Irregular and rhythmic sensory stimuli, risk-taking, complexity and simplicity, biomorphic patterns and forms, mysterious environment and shelter, are ineffective criteria for the mental health of the elderly.The results indicate that seeing flowers and plants (average: 4.73 out of 5) has the greatest effect and the brightness of polished plates due to light radiation (average: 2.19 out of 5) has the least effect on promoting mental health in the elderly.