Alterraum

Alterraum (literally "old-age space") is a German term used in multiple disciplines to refer to spaces associated with aging. There is no single, canonical definition; its meaning depends on context, but it generally denotes physical or social environments that are shaped by, or intended for, older people.

In architecture and urban planning, Alterraum is used to describe spaces designed to be accessible and supportive of independence for seniors. Design principles commonly discussed under this concept include barrier-free accessibility, step-free routes, stable handrails, slip-resistant surfaces, adequate lighting, clear signage, and places for social interaction. The concept is closely related to aging in place and universal design, which aim to allow older adults to live independently in their communities.

In gerontology and sociology, Alterraum is used to analyze how spatial arrangements affect the daily lives, mobility, and social participation of older people. Studies focus on housing options, transportation networks, public spaces, and digital inclusion, examining how exclusion or inclusion is produced through place and infrastructure.

In culture and media, Alterraum may appear as a thematic concept or fictional setting dealing with memory, transition, and the social experience of aging; it may also occur as a title or motif in art, film, or literature.

Because German compounds are flexible, Alterraum can appear in various forms and phrases in academic and public discourse, without a fixed definition across fields. See also aging in place, universal design, accessible design.