Universal design helps boomers age in place with style

"Age in a virtuous person, of either sex, carries in it an authority which makes it preferable to all the pleasures of youth." Richard Steele (1672-1729), Irish writer and politician, "The Spectator" (1711-12)

We read every day about how many baby boomers are "coming of age" and the effect this fact will have on almost every sector of our lives. Boomers may be collecting Social Security or we may continue to work and therefore affect the work place. The health of boomers is a big concern to the medical profession; and there is an entire industry dedicated to making products for boomers. This generation is confronting the aging process in a new way and is not going down without a fight.

Some years ago I had the privilege of sitting on a committee for the state of Nevada that looked into what the state needed to do to be ready for this onslaught of boomers.

The study was addressing what research has shown: that boomers, or persons of any age really, wish to remain in their own homes as they age. As nice and inviting as some assisted or independent living options appear, folks want to stay in their own homes.

People in this age group are spending money now to make their homes more accessible as they age. Money invested now can possibly prelude having to move in with family members or into assisted living.

The initiative of staying at home is formally referred to as "aging in place." This is part of a larger plan called universal design. Universal design provides comfort and ease of living for people of any age. Americans of all ages value their ability to live independently, but without a plan for aging in place, it can be hard to stay in control of your life. Knowing your health risks and financial options can make a big difference.

According to AARP, "some universal design features just make good sense. Once you bring them into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:

* Floors and bathtubs with nonslip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They’re not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.

* Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.

* Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.

* Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. But others like them too. Try using these devices when your arms are full of packages. You’ll never go back to knobs or standard switches."

Universal design gives you great home features that you can enjoy at any age. And, it helps you plan for the future.

To increase safety and accessibility the bathroom, here are some modifications you can consider.

* Build a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads (height-adjustable, hand-held showerhead and fixed).

* Lower the bathroom sink and make sure there’s proper knee clearance.

* Install an elevated toilet.

* Install grab bars.

I will address other aging in place issues a little later on, but making changes in your bathroom is something you can do now, and enjoy for many years to come.

While these changes are geared toward safety, you can accomplish these and still have a beautiful and stylish environment as you can see by these grand-looking grab bars from Jaclo (www.jaclo.com).

Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and past president of the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home section of the Review-Journal. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.