Aging in place is here to stay. Aging in place has moved out of the realm of science fiction (smart homes) and into the twenty-first century. The term “lifelong homes” isn’t as well known as universal design but I like that it seems to imply more than just a place to live.
The Real Estate Section of the Seattle Times (Sunday, August 26, 2012) www.seattletimes.com/realestate featured an article by Judith Graham using the words “lifelong homes”. All of information that I could find on lifelong homes circled back to the book “Independence for Life: Homes and Neighborhoods” co-edited by Henry Cisneros, the former secretary of HUD. The book is a collection of information by experts in the field of aging and housing. Mr. Cisneros feels that the creation of lifelong homes and communities should be a priority from the government right on down to you, and I quite agree. The scope is wide and includes everything from universally designed homes, remodeling current home, new zoning laws and accessible issues within the community. I haven’t read the book yet because it hasn’t hit my library system, but it is certainly on my to-do list. I am a big believer in independence for life.
Having a “lifelong home” obviously means that you are planning on staying there forever, right? We all fear the loneliness and isolation often associated with declining physical capabilities, but that doesn’t keep us from defending to the death our right to stay in our own home. This isn’t such a farfetched idea. A very small percentage of seniors actually do end up living in a nursing home. With a little bit of luck and a lot of good planning, you can make your home a lifelong home.
For more of the interview with Mr. Cisneros check your search engine under the words “lifelong homes”. This is something that concerns each and every one of us. Learn how you can make your home a lifelong home, and learn how you can help make your community a senior friendly place to live.
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