Boomers - Act NOW Before it is to late

From TopRetirements
It seems like an oxymoron that, just when you were beginning to think about down-sizing, you could actually be near outgrowing either your existing home, or the one you build or buy for retirement.

The answer is that you probably won’t outgrow it, but if you are not careful, your needs will change to the point that your home no longer fits you. And then the choice is either to move, or put in expensive and inconvenient renovations. Building a home with universal design principles can add about 5% to the cost, but a big savings when compared to retrofitting a home at 30%.

Several important concepts apply to this issue. “Universal design”, which as the name implies means that one set of design principles should be applied when it comes to accessibility. In other words, whether you are a young child, healthy and athletic 40 something, a slowed-down senior, or confined to a wheelchair - your home ought to be able to accomodate you. Fitting along with this concept is the goal of “aging in place”, a goal that the AARP says is shared by 84% of Americans 50 and over.

So with these two concepts in mind, what can you do to promote your future aging in place - whether you are renovating your existing home, building a retirement home, or buying into an active adult community? First, you should read up on universal design as it applies to aging in place (see references below). If you are buying an existing home or one that is in the process of being built you might be able to negotiate some of these improvments into your purchase contract. Or you can choose to look elsewhere.

Some of the obvious steps are: 

- Wide doorways and hallways
- No changes in levels (unless they are ramped) between rooms- Ramped entry(ies) to your home
- Tall toilets and grab bars in bathrooms
- Non slip floors- No glare, contrasting lighting and paint
- Lever style handles instead of doorknobs
- First floor master bedroom (or the option for that)
- Provision for future elevator (if building or remodelling)
- Kitchens and major appliances on the main floor
- Kitchen counters at varying heights to fit a range of users

Building in universal design principles now will save you time and trouble, and allow you to age in place. Typically people tend to think they are 10 years younger than they are, but if we are fortunate enough, we will age and lose mobility. Better to be prepared now.The National Association of Home Builders has a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist program to help builders and designers. Pima County, Arizona is just one town that has mandated universal design elements for all new housing.

NAHB Aging in Place Suggestions

NC State R.L. Mace Universal Design Institute

Blueprint for Boomers