How The Silver Tsunami Will Change How We Live

published in Heartland Design Magazine May 2010

Get ready for the "silver tsunami". This term does not refer to any kind of weather phenomenon, it refers to the nearly 75 million (or 25% of the population) Americans that will turn at least age 55 by the year 2019. According to a study by ASID on Aging in place, up to 77% of those surveyed intend on staying in their homes well past retirement. (ASID's Aging in Place Study)

The current pool of homes available was built for the baby boomer generation as they married and had children. Suburban neighborhoods and homes for 2 parents with 2.5 children sprang up all across America. Now this same demographic will drive the need for home modifications that allow our homes to work better for us as we age. This article will look at a number of modifications that can be made, but the place to start this discussion is with the concept of visitability.

For a home to be visitable it only needs to meet three criteria. The inclusion of these criteria in a home enable anyone to; be able to enter a home via a zero-step entry, maneuver in the home through doorways that are at least 32" wide, and be able to relieve themselves without having to go up or down stairs. While this seems like pretty straightforward stuff, could your home meet these criteria?

A zero-step entry does not have to be the main entry. It can be off the garage, or ramped in the side or back of a house. With preplanning zero-step entries can be installed in new construction, and modifications to existing homes can be made. Wider doorways make a home flow and look larger. Moving furniture from room to room is easier, and wheelchairs, walkers and crutches pass without difficulty. From a design perspective they are wonderful. The movement for homes to be visitable is supported by real estate agents nationwide and the home building community.

There are many other home modifications that can be implemented that allow us to stay in our homes longer. The term "Age in Place" has been coined to describe this trend. The two main rooms that require the most modification are the kitchen and bath. Both rooms are used on a daily basis and need to work efficiently and effectively for homeowners.

Kitchen modifications are varied and can be enjoyed by persons of all ages and physical capabilities. Pull out shelving in all base cabinets keeps you from having to crawl on hands and knees to the inner depths of cabinets. Varying the height of countertops to accommodate someone in a seated position to perform cooking tasks is helpful. On the other end of the spectrum raising the dishwasher allows for easier filling and emptying.

Visually adding contrast between the countertop and cabinets as well as cabinets and floor allows for better edge definition. For upper cabinets there are appliances that can be installed that allow for contents to be pulled down, so that a seated person can easily access items. Cabinet hardware that is shaped like a "C" or "D" instead of a button is easier to use. Faucet handles and door handles with levers are also recommended.

As we age lighting becomes more important. Under cabinet task lighting is attractive and useful. General lighting needs to be bright and the creation of shadows or dark corners kept to a minimum or eliminated.

Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in our homes. Modifications can be made to increase safety and maneuverability. Flooring should have a texture so it is not slippery when wet and rugs eliminated. The modification that everyone thinks of is the installment of grab bars. Most people visualize the grab bars used in hospitals, or commercial restroom stalls. Today, there are a number of lines of grab bars that look like towel bars. If a person is not ready for the installment of grab bars, but is remodeling their bathroom, making your shower and toilet area adaptable is something to think about. By installing extra bracing in the walls and covering it up with sheetrock the home is ready for grab bars if and when they are needed.

Shower modifications include: zero thresh hold entry, hand held shower heads and a built in bench. Hand held shower heads are great for bathing in a seated or standing position. In addition, they are great for bathing pets! Bath tubs are more difficult to maneuver in and out of. As we age, our homes need to work better for us. There are many easily installed modifications that will work to support us. The baby boom generation will affect how our homes function as we move into our later years, just as they did with our starter homes.