What is one misconception people have about “Aging in Place”? Why does it matter?
Senior working at the kitchen sink
What is “Aging in Place”?
When you hear “Aging in Place,” what comes to mind? This is a topic for senior citizens, right? As a certified National Association of Home Builders Aging in Place Specialist, this is often the reaction.
The phrase can be unclear. I recently came across an article in Forbes magazine discussing the history and nuances of the definition of “Aging in Place.”
According to the article, Aging in Place (AIP) is typically referred to as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” I recommend reading the whole article if you are interested in more on the history of the definition.
“Aging in Place (AIP) is typically referred to as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.””
Aging in Place and Universal Design (UD)
The goal of AIP is to stay in one's home at any age. Your home must suit your present and future needs. To accomplish this, people often will remodel or look for homes incorporating features of “universal design.”
The RL Mace Universal Design Institute defines Universal Design as “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for specialized design.” I will talk much more about UD in the future, but this often includes floorplan changes, adding ramps or lifts for stairs, etc., or other modifications. Another option is to do as we did and move to a new home with more appropriate and accessible features.
The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for specialized design.
RL Mace Universal Design Institute
The misconception
Making modifications to one's home or finding a more livable space for the rest of your life (i.e., Aging in Place) does not just benefit older adults. It benefits everyone.
Here’s how. Let’s look to the very essence of the definition of Universal Design; the space is usable by all people to the extent possible without requiring specialized design. In other words, the home will be functional by those needing a modification to age in place, together with everyone else.
Some hypotheticals:
Who may benefit from removing or reducing stairs?
A person aging in place with vision or balance problems
A mom using a stroller
A teen on crutches resulting from a football injury
The visiting neighbor who uses a wheelchair
Grandma as she has difficulty climbing stairs when she babysits
The movers or remodelers, when working in the home
The space becomes more accessible for everyone.
If you install a faucet or door handle that is easier for a senior to use, it is easier for everyone.
If you install a barn door style door to create more accessible space, that is more space for everyone.
If you have a walk-in shower, that shower is safer for everyone, not just an older adult.
Shall I go on?
Why does this matter?
Only some know about UD and that these changes are likely to be helpful to anyone who owns that home. People may be, at times, hesitant to make these changes. We should consider that people of all ages will face these issues eventually. We are all aging and will encounter circumstances impacting our lives.
More “usable” for all
If you have a home that you love, investing in it to allow you to stay there can make your home more usable and desirable for everyone. If you are looking for a new home to meet your current and future needs, finding a home with design features allowing you to age in place will offer the same benefit to a subsequent owner.
If you would like more info on Aging in Place or UD, stay tuned, as I will post more on this and related topics.
