|
E-mail this page to a friend!
Senior Citizen Homes & Communities
Seniors Staying in Their Homes May Consider
Senior-Friendly Remodeling
Most older Americans plan to stay in present homes,
says survey
October 27, 2006 – A survey of older Americans – 50
and older – found that a majority plan to live in their current homes
for the next five years but plan improvements or remodeling, according
to Home Depot, which has remodeling tips for making homes more
senior-friendly.
| |
Related Stories |
|
| |
Aging-in-Place Specialists Offer Tips for Making
Homes Age-Friendly
May 17, 2006 - The aging population will
significantly influence the remodeling industry over the next five
years, according to a recent survey of remodelers by the National
Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Older Americans, who clearly state
a preference for staying in their homes as they age, have not made their
homes age-friendly.
Read more...
Lighting an Important Consideration for Senior
Citizens' Homes
Growing field of
study to make homes more livable for the elderly
May 5, 2006 – Like so many other things that are
changing to meet the needs of an aging society, home design has also
become a major focus. Senior citizens have a multitude of needs to make
their homes more livable - like good light - and to allow them to stay in their homes
longer, rather than move to community housing. This need has fostered
several organizations that focus on making private homes and community
homes more senior friendly.
Read more...
Many Elderly Caregivers Do Not Know How to Make
Homes Fall-Safe
Home Safety Council finds many homes lack
critical safety elements
September 20, 2006 - Studies show that one-third of
senior citizens aged 65 or older - or nearly 12 million people -
experience falls each year and almost 5,000 die from falls in the home.
The Home Safety Council went to caregivers to find out why more is not
being done to make homes safer for the elderly and found that many just
do not know what to do to make them safer.
Read more...
Bathing Problems Common in Older Adults Can Be
Prevented
Study finds safety problems among many who bathe
without help
B
Katie Gazella, U-M Health System
September
14, 2006 - Getting in and out of the bathtub or shower can be a perilous
journey for older adults, including those as young as 60, even when they
have bathrooms already equipped with safety features, according to
research by the University of Michigan Health System.
Read more...
Read more
on
Senior Housing |
|
Life events common to the 50-plus population --
retirement, the birth of a grandchild, caring for an elderly parent, an
adult child moving home -- often are triggers for projects to improve
home comfort and functionality in anticipation of spending more time at
home enjoying hobbies and entertaining friends and family.
Conducted by Focalyst, the study gathered data from
more than 30,000 consumers from the baby boom generation and older. The
Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, sponsored the
study to gain insight into the housing preferences and home improvement
needs among this audience of more than 125 million Americans.
"This is a dynamic consumer group with a wide range
of interests and needs, and we want to enable them to make the most of
their home regardless of life stage," said Roger Adams, CMO and senior
vice president of Marketing for The Home Depot.
"When our boomer and 50-plus customers plan home
improvement projects, we offer the products, services and know-how they
need to create an intergenerational living space that welcomes family
members of all ages and abilities."
Key home improvement findings for consumers 50 and
older include the following:
● 60 percent expect to live in their current
residence during the next five years.
● 65 percent plan to remodel or improve their
homes.
● 42 percent of all home improvement projects
will be done by outside contractors.
● 77 percent believe how their home looks is an
important part of who they are.
● 73 percent say the kitchen is the most
important room for them.
Suggested Improvements
Homeowners of any age can benefit by incorporating
innovative designs into their home improvement plans, creating not only
a stylish environment reflective of how they live today, but also a safe
and comfortable home for years to come. Following are home modification
suggestions for two key areas of any home, the kitchen and bath:
In the kitchen
● Under-cabinet task lighting brightens
countertops, lessening eyestrain.
● Pull-down shelving removes effort from pantry
access.
● Slide-out drawers eliminate the need to twist
or bend to access pots and pans.
● Elevated dishwashers reduce stooping or
bending.
● D-shaped cabinet and drawer handles are easier
to grasp.
● Anti-scald devices reduce the risk of hot water
burns for everyone.
● 36" countertop height reduces back strain and
promotes easier access.
● Adjustable countertops offer added flexibility
and convenience of access.
● Softer, natural flooring reduces back and foot
strain for periods of standing.
In the bath
● Motion-sensing faucets are ideal for those with
arthritis.
● Sinks and vanities should be placed at a
comfortable height.
● Lever handles on faucets and doors make it
easier at any age.
● Smooth counter edges prevent bumps and bruises.
● Strategically placed grab bars in the shower
reduce fall risk.
● 17" toilet height offers maximum ease and
comfort.
● Bath and shower chairs add extra comfort and
convenience.
Editor's Notes:
The Home Depot used the Focalyst research and
these design tips to develop its exhibit at Life@50+ | AARP's National
Event & Expo taking place Oct. 26-28 in Anaheim, Calif. The exhibit is a
house that incorporates intergenerational design concepts, and products
and services relevant to 50-plus-year-old consumers, all of which are
available from The Home Depot, Home Depot Direct and/or EXPO Design
Center. The event is the largest gathering of its kind for Americans
over 50, and it is expected to draw more than 25,000 attendees.
About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world's largest home
improvement specialty retailer, with 2,104 retail stores in all 50
states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10
Canadian provinces and Mexico.
About Focalyst
New York-based Focalyst is a joint venture of
AARP Services, Inc. and Kantar, the research, insight and consultancy
arm of WPP. The company is the leading source of information about baby
boomers and older consumers, providing forward-looking research and
strategic consulting to marketers, advertisers, researchers and brand
managers across a wide range of industries. For more information, visit
www.focalyst.com.
Click to More Senior News on the
Front Page
Copyright: SeniorJournal.com |
