Aging in Place

Recently, in the Economist there was a a ten page speial report on aging populations and what that means to the world. The articles details employment, health care, and what impact having a larger older population will have on everyone. The large gap in age population in clearly a looming problem in the coming decades.

Over the past few years, remodeling has taken on a life of its own. Baby boomers have remodeled their homes to make a personal statement. Additionally, they have purchased second homes as either weekend get-a-ways or retreats for extended family reunions and get-togethers. The trend has been to personalize and customize a home to fit the lifestyle and mood of the household. Where will you live as you grow older? If you are like most Americas, you would prefer to stay in your current home: 89 percent of people 50 and older who were surveyed by AARP in 2005 stated that they would like to remain in their homes as they age.

Now, due to the changing housing market of the past two years, more people of all ages will stay in the current houses longer. Renovations will still take place and may even increase. People want to remain active, vital and independent as they age. So, how do we address these concerns when it comes to housing? One way is to look at your current house and identify quick and easy fixes suck as taping down a loos area rug. Secondly, examine ways to make changes as you remodel such as adding blocking for a grab bar that can be added at a later date. Finally, determine if moving to a new residence would make the most sense. Maybe the three level colonial in Northern Virginia would be better suited for a  younger family and a ranch style home or single level condo would be a better housing option for an aging couple.

Two years ago, I became a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist thru certification with NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). The course outlines specific design principles that apply to housing and kitchen design when thinking about aging in place. These same principles would apply to a person loosing mobility with MS or a person with a sudden change due to an accident. I have had two projects using these CAPS design principles: one project with the wife in a scooter and the second project for a family of four whose son had MS. 

Rather than providing a laundry list of ways to adapt your home on this blog, here are additional websites that have valable information on this topic: www.nicelydonekitchens.com www.nahb.org, www.aarp.org, agingbeautifully.com, www.cs.wright.edu/bie/rehabengr/kitchens/kitchint and www.naipc.org