Universal design becomes more common as Boomers remodel, build

As baby boomers age, and issues such as compromised eyesight anddexterity become apparent, there’s a lot more thought being given todesign and remodeling concepts that make physical tasks easier. Designmodifications are being made both in architecture and products that arebetter suited for multigenerational audiences with varied requirements.  Universaldesign is the buzzword, and it’s being incorporated into new andexisting housing to allow aging in place. Baby boomers from ages 43 to61 number nearly 80 million. With those numbers, boomers willsignificantly impact the remodeling industry over the next five years,according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

It’smuch more people-friendly than the older barrier-free concept that waspart of the Americans with Disabilities Act package. That resulted inramps at some entrances of public buildings for wheelchair-boundAmericans and bathrooms with wide stalls that called attention to theirlimitations. New universal designs are about eliminating handicappedstigmas while marrying barrier-free function with aesthetics.

Anestimated 30 million Americans use wheelchairs or walkers, according tothe American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). But the concepts ofuniversal design are attractive to all generations.

Source/more:  Orange County Register/UPI, http://www.ocregister.com/articles/design-universal-design-2061129-aging-boomer