BREAKING THE AGE BARRIER
Forward-thinking design is not just for the elderly anymore.

Aging is no longer relegated to seniors, at least not when it comes to home remodeling. For decades designers and remodelers have been told to prepare for the “silver tsunami” as aging baby boomers realize they need to modify their homes to make them more safe, functional, and accessible as they get older. It appears that wave may finally have crested. But it’s not merely seniors who are requesting such changes; it’s mid-lifers and even some younger adults, too.

Several recent homeowner surveys and industry reports indicate that anywhere from every two out of three to nine out of ten homeowners are including or say they will include modifications to support aging in the home when undertaking their current or next building, remodeling or renovating project.

Like many seniors, young and mid-life homeowners want more clean, open spaces that improve accessibility for everyone, as well as features of Universal Design, such as adaptable spaces and furnishings, sensor-operated lighting and fixtures, and walk-in showers.

It used to be that designers had to find a way to talk about these kinds of improvements without using words like “aging,” “older” or “accessibility.” Now, it’s the clients that are asking designers for them. They may still be uncomfortable talking about getting older or possibly having diminished ability at some point in the future, but they are thinking about it nonetheless. After years of coverage by design, lifestyle, and aging media, homeowners have become more aware of some changes they can implement to make their homes function better for them or for an aging parent or relative in the future.

Like most long-term trends, this one took a while to gain momentum, but it will be with us for some time to come… or even permanently. If you haven’t already integrated design for aging into your practice, you should do so now. Once a niche market, it’s gone mainstream, so go with the flow.