UNDERSTANDING YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS' NEEDS FOR HOME ORGANIZATION SUPPORT

Home organization is a common problem for people of all ages. Possible consequences of not being organized at home include loss of time and money; decreased task efficiency and focus; and increased strain on interpersonal relationships. However, there is little empirical research on people’s specific needs for home organization across the lifespan. Participants (10 younger adults, 10 older adults) completed questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews investigating their needs for and factors impacting home organization. Home organization was important to participants, yet a majority of them were not fully satisfied with it. Younger and older adults reported various spaces they considered most and least organized in their homes. Both age groups reported that the number of items in a space, the plan for organizing the items, and having a place for all of the items contributed to a space being organized versus not organized. Design considerations for a support system or tool based on these findings are discussed.