Aging in Place

Aging in Place

Colleen O’Malley

         Another component to examine in my research thesis process is location. When looking at location, I will be focusing more on a permanent location allowing for boomers to age in place. Providing a universal design will allow for this necessity. Aging in place is defined by the National Association of Home Builders as “remaining in one’s home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years, and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a ‘home’ for a lifetime”.

        Some components that are included in the concept of aging in place are health services, in-home care, home maintenance, transportation, and socialization. The term aging in place can refer to the renovation of an existing home or new construction.

        Universal design goes beyond the accessible, adaptable, and barrier-free concepts of the past and recognizes, respect, values, and attempts to accommodate the broadest possible spectrum of human ability. The university concept emphasizes user-friendly design, aiming to accommodate the needs to people of all ages, sizes, and abilities, including the changes people experience during their lifetime. All of these features will be considered in the design of a university affiliated retirement complex.