What Does“Aging In Place” Have To Do With Baby Boomers?
The ingredients for universal design may be simple, but the innovative design elements are ever changing. The 50+ population will double in the next 32 years and again the baby boomers are very influential in changing the trends in housing.
Baby boomers, the largest and most influential generation in U.S. history, are entering retirement age, but they are not retiting. This is an active generation looking for life's luxeries - from top of the line appliances to state of the art whirlpool tubs.
Their concerns are with fitness and health, with issues surrounding work, and with the transitions that come fast and furious. These days in the middle of one's life changing careers, divorce, re-marriage, starting a second family, launching one’s own business for the first time time at 55 or older is common. Boomers are active spectators, curious and savvy with high expectations in life. You are more likely to find these people on bicycles and treadmills or the internet. They want to live well, live comfortably and live in familiar surroundings. In fact, according to research by the American Association of Retired Persons:
- Nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age.
- 82% would prefer to stay in their homes even if they begin to need day to day assistance or ongoing health care during retirement.
This has presented a challenging opportunity for the design and remodeling industry. No matter when a home was built and regardless of whether it is modern or traditional in style, from the plushest to the simplest they were not designed to be aging friendly. The advanced materials and the amenities of brand-new and desirable houses and apartments have too much in common with houses built 100 years ago - when life expectancy was less than 50. Today, life expectancy is 80, and baby boomers are dealing with parents who are experiencing reduced eyesight, poor balance and reduced flexibility. Even with baby boomers forever young attitudes they are forced to accept the fact that they will some day be dealing with the same issues.
Welcome One And All
With this in mind boomers are moving toward universal homes and vendors are leading the way in product development and design. Baby boomers are looking for all the beauty of custom design elements that they are use to while accommodating the needs of all ages. Universal design and its companion, “visitability” are not focused on one generation. For instance, steps at the front door pose an equal challenge to a stroller and a wheelchair. Visitability incorporates several aspects of universal home design. Its basic ingredients are simple:
- No step entrance to the dwelling - can be front, side or rear.
- Doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair (or stroller)
- A bedroom and bathroom, with a wide door on the first floor.
For more information contact
Deb Corning Deb Corning Interiors
1126 Frisch Road ¦ Madison
www.debcorninginteriors.com
