As a senior, you already have a certain degree of familiarity with the terms aging-in-place, barrier-free living, accessibility and universal design. Knowing all about aging-in-place is one thing, but thinking that it might apply to you is something else. Older seniors might think it is already too late to make changes, but seniors of all ages need to embrace the idea with a little more enthusiasm. It is time to get used to the idea that people are living longer and that they will all need a safer place to live. Unfortunately the word “aging” is smack dab in the middle of the “aging-in-place” concept, and it doesn’t sit well with many of us. We all want to age gracefully and we all want to be independent, but we persist in viewing aging as something that happens to other people. It is not surprising that this haze of denial means that the need for special products and home modifications get pushed aside.
We are as guilty as everyone else. My husband and I are rapidly approaching the age when we will need to think about how and where we are going to live. Moving into a single story dwelling is probably the best idea, but in the meantime I am hoping that a few adjustments will stave off an eminent move.
Universal Design is not only the wave of the future but a concept that needs to be addressed right now. The truth is that universal design addresses what all of us will need at some point in our lives. By making small or large changes, older adults can make their homes safer and more convenient. As adults age, they find that they have to figure out ways to use their space differently. I am hopeful that we can take the same space and turn in to something better.
You don’t always have to knock down walls or embark on major renovation projects. Simple cost effective changes can reflect universal design concepts without costing an arm or a leg. A serious remodeling job could turn your house into a universal dream house. On the other hand, if you can’t take on a project of that magnitude, you can still make modifications that will work for you. Universal Design makes good sense. It just means making things more”user friendly,” and that is a modern term that we all understand. The best part is that universal design does not have to look like it was designed for someone in a wheelchair. Universal Design can be attractive and it can be invisible. No one has to know, and it could be your best shot at staying in your own home.
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