Universal Design and Age in Place

Jul 24 2009 8:08AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (1) |
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By Patricia Nunan

Every day there is a new report or story about the aging of the population. Yesterday was one of those days. A new report was mentioned on the radio about on the growth of the aging population. It said that in five years here will be more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 5. It is mind boggling.

When you think about it that adds up to a lot of people that should be thinking about what they are going to do and where they want to live as they age. Just a few days ago the world’s oldest man died at the age of 113. Incredible. A Montana man is 112. He remembers talking to his father about the war – the civil war and reading by kerosene lamps. As time passes and more medical advancements are made, our generation could be the norm of reaching 112 or more.

We can’t cover the nation in active 55 communities with ping-pong activity centers. Our world shouldn’t be filled with crazy ramps everywhere or people living in dining rooms. No, we need to be on the forefront of educating our customers about Aging in Place. New homes need to incorporate more Universal Design principles and Visitablity. We need to be pro-active in designing additions, kitchen, bathrooms and entryways that can accommodate people as they age in every project. It is up to us, this generation and the next generation, of remodelers, designers and builders to plan for the future.

It is up to us to educate our customers of the benefits of being proactive, in taking responsibility now, not waiting for crisis or when living on a fixed income. We need to make existing and new homes more accessible for everyone, now and in the future. Please join me in helping others find new ways to help educate to the client. How are you doing it? What are you looking for in the way of help? What old ideas need to be re-adjusted to meet the home crisis that will be here soon?
Help each other, so we can help others.