HAIDER ABBAS,DR SAFIULLAH KHAN
DOI: https://doi.org/Hospital and healthcare environment design plays an indispensable role in influencing the health, recovery, and well-being of ageing populations. In this study, a scientometric approach is employed to map the global research landscape of hospital architecture, healthcare design, and healing environments, specifically focusing on elderly patients and the aging population. With the use of bibliometric software, the research identifies top authors, publication patterns, key institutions, and thematic groups that define this multidisciplinary field of study. The research depicts a steady increase in activity over the last decade, with overall contribution by the USA, UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, and China. Findings indicate that design attributes like natural light, single-bed rooms, restorative gardens, biophilic elements, and noise control play a key role in increasing patient satisfaction, psychological stability, and decreasing recovery time. Additionally, thematic mapping indicates the salience of themes like healing environments, quality of life, and aging care, highlighting the intersectionality of architecture, psychology, gerontology, and nursing science. The research also responds to five research guide questions, validating evidence-based design expansion, revealing evidence gaps in staff-oriented research, and revealing regional disparities reducing global application. Real-life applications of these principles are presented through practical case studies like dementia villages in the Netherlands, therapeutic gardens in Sweden, and culturally responsive geriatric hospital designs in South Korea. Yet, the study recognizes chronic limitations, such as the lack of adequate longitudinal studies, limited use of digital technologies such as IoT-enabled monitoring and AI-based adaptive spaces, and low representation of low- and middle-income countries. In summary, hospital design is demonstrated to be an active geriatric well-being determinant in place of being a passive background for clinical treatment. The research not only aggregates prior knowledge but also offers a future-oriented agenda, focusing on international inclusivity, interdisciplinarity, and technological innovation. Through integrating scientometric insights with real-world applications, this study places hospital design as a pillar for promoting comprehensive aging care, dignity, and well-being in healthcare systems globally.
