As the baby boomers age and retire, they are not only customizing their homes, but also choosing appliances with features which will allow them to age in place while remaining safe in their homes.
Both homes and appliances are incorporating the aspects of universal design into their products. Universal design means designing products and spaces that are accessible to people with different levels of abilities. Along with the increasing numbers of aging baby boomers, there is also a growing trend of multi-generational homes. According to the HuffingtonPost.com, “more than 51 million Americans find themselves dealing with life in a multigenerational home, or a household with three or more generations living under one roof.”
A story in the Washington Post talks about one such couple designing their home so they can age in place; Tom and Susie McSweeny of Maryland, who built their home with wide doorways to accommodate a wheelchair and a flat, no-step entryway. They also designed their kitchen to include plenty of room to allow for easy access to all food prep areas and appliances. Their laundry room is on the first floor, eliminating unnecessary steps to reach this area.
“You have to be realistic,” says Susie in the Washington Post story. “You don’t know what health issues you may develop as you get older, but you try to plan for it so that you can enjoy your later years.”
The AARP reports that most older Americans want to stay in their homes permanently and live independently. In order for this to happen, homes and appliances must be designed to be accessible and safe for those with future mobility, vision and health problems.
Appliances designed to eliminate bending, reaching
The placement of appliances is important, as are the features. For example, Continue reading
Point & Click Appliance Repair 