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Universal Design - Keeping Baby Boomers in their Homes as They Age

And It Is Appealing to Younger Families, Too

Posted March 05, 2011

    The term "Universal Design" refers to a wide range of architectural and construction ideas and products meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to both the able-bodied and the physically disabled. The concept evolved from earlier "barrier-free concepts", the broader accessibility movement, and adaptive and assistive technology and also seeks to blend aesthetics into these core considerations.

    According to Andree Huffine, a Sarasota realtor experienced in selling "universal design" homes, "as life expectancy rises and modern medicine increases the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses, and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design by many forward-thinking architects and builders."

    There are many industries in which universal design is having strong market penetration but there are many others in which it has not yet been adopted to any great extent. For example, while curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, essential for people in wheelchairs but also used by all, are a common example, the home building industry has just recently become interested in the concept.

    More homes are now being built with "universal design" features that will help boomers stay in their homes as they age. These features no longer evoke a hospital or hursing home room so they are appealing to younger demographic groups as well.

    There are now kitchen and bathroom cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at several heights to accommodate different tasks and postures, and walk-in bathtubs. Color-contrast dishware with steep sides that assist those with visual or dexterity problems are another. There is also growing use of lever door handles in place of the standard doorknob making it much easier for people with disabilities (as well as moms carrying a baby) to open a door.

    Perhaps the most interesting facet of this new "universal design" concept is how quickly growing numbers of young families are beginning to ask for such "ease-of-use" features in the new homes they are considering building or buying.

    Your Florida realtor can help you find builders employing "universal design' concepts in their homes. Rich Stover, for example, a Sarasota Florida real estate agent or Brian Ward, a specialist in Sarasota luxury homes specialist would be pleased to help you as would broker Dick Plumb, a Sarasota FL real estate agent who specializes in homes in golf homes in The Meadows sundivision of Sarasota. He is an expert on universal design concepts.