As aging baby boomers consider staying in their homes, Universal Design and Aging in Place will be gaining more momentum in the years to come.
What Is Universal Design and Aging in Place?
Universal Design is a concept that focuses on comfort, ease of access, and maneuverability within homes for all people, while aging in place is a popular lifestyle option for seniors preferring to safely and independently live in their homes.
Did You Know?
According to AARP, 89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP) and 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work (NAHB).
Suggested Aging In Place home modifications include:
- Installing lights strategically to maintain a well-lit hallway
- Having non-slip interior and exterior flooring
- Replacing knobs with levers handles
- Setting up cabinetry with rollout cabinets and lazy susans
- Mounting adequate handrails for stairways and ramps
NAHB, in partnership with AARP and the NAHB Research Center, has created a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to teach remodeling professionals how to modify homes specifically geared towards Aging-In-Place. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=717&genericContentID=46799.
Helpful Universal Design and Aging in Place links:
Toolbase.org-
http://www.toolbase.org/ToolbaseResources/level3.aspx?BucketID=2&CategoryID=22
AARP-
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/universaldesign/a2004-03-23-whatis_univdesign.html
NAHB Aging in Place Checklist- http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=717&genericContentID=89801
Center for Universal Design-
http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/
