Aiming at the degenerative change of the physical function of the elderly, this paper puts forward the proper aging design research methods and reference guidance for the residential environment in order to follow the physiological characteristics of the elderly, based on the study of human engineering sensory perceptual system, surveys and analyzes the physiological function characteristics of the elderly and their corresponding indoor environment from vision, hearing and tactile aspects respectively, correlates all facilities in residential environment, and summarizes all problems and obstacles existed in family life of the elderly. This paper also proposes proper aging suggestions for the physical environment of residence such as lighting environment, color environment, acoustic environment and tactile environment in order to meet the physiological characteristics and demand of the elderly. The conclusion of this paper provides design method and theoretical basis for the design criterion of residential environment for the elderly in order to improve residential environment quality and to promote the overall living quality of the elderly.