Enhancing Home Safety for the Elderly: Key Flooring Factors to Reduce Fall Risks

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Younghan Jung, Nathaniel Walker, M. Myung Jeong and David Martin

Abstract

As the global population ages, falls among older adults have become a significant concern in residential settings. This study investigates how flooring materials, finishes, and visual patterns affect fall risk among elderly individuals, based on a qualitative, literature-based comparative analysis focusing on intrinsic human factors. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify flooring features that either increase or reduce fall risk. The analysis is derived from peer-reviewed studies, industry reports, and guidelines from the CDC, WHO, and relevant design organizations. Results show that high-friction surfaces, such as carpets and textured tiles, significantly reduce the likelihood of slips, while glossy or low-friction materials increase fall risk. Additionally, low-contrast patterns help minimize visual confusion and improve depth perception, while smooth floor transitions reduce tripping hazards. These findings inform design and material choices that support aging in place and promote universal design principles. Recommendations for construction professionals and designers include selecting non-glare, high-friction materials and maintaining consistent, low-contrast floor patterns for elderly populations. This research provides practical insights to enhance home safety and guide construction practices that facilitate healthy aging as the global population continues to expand.

Keyphrases: fall risk, flooring, intrinsic factors, residential construction, senior

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 1222-1231.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/Bbk4
	https://doi.org/10.29007/m4xx

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Enhancing_Home_Safety_Elderly,
  author    = {Younghan Jung and Nathaniel Walker and M. Myung Jeong and David Martin},
  title     = {Enhancing Home Safety for the Elderly: Key Flooring Factors to Reduce Fall Risks},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/Bbk4},
  doi       = {10.29007/m4xx},
  pages     = {1222-1231},
  year      = {2026}}

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