ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers - (Page 57)

aging in style around and into home features that lack a ‘goodness of ﬁt.’” Stahr believes interior designers are uniquely qualiﬁed to address these issues. “We have the knowledge—or can obtain and make use of the knowledge—to create designs that can work for people of all ages and all abilities,” she says. “We know how to select and specify products, materials and applications for independent living, as well as for sustainable, energy-saving environments.” Although 50-plus clients tend to shy away from discussions about getting older, with some thought and planning, many of the amenities they want now can serve them well as they age. Aging in Place Council member Leslie Shankman-Cohn, ASID, points out that “There are many aspects of green design that are appropriate to universal design and designing for aging in place, and vice versa. Indeed, they are compatible and complimentary.” As with programming, the opportunities present themselves once you reframe how you regard a particular product or material. Take today’s stylish and popular front-loading washing machines—they use about 40 percent less water and half the energy of top-loading machines; they also are recommended for individuals who have trouble lifting or are in a wheelchair. “Cork and bamboo ﬂooring are not only fast growing and renewable resources, but they are termite resistant, thus eliminating the need for chemical treatments. Plus, they have the added advantage of being ‘easy on the joints,’” says Shankman-Cohn, citing another example of conﬂuence between sustainable and universal design. If you are interested in expanding your services to address the needs of the 50-plus market, you should begin by familiarizing yourself with the essential demographics of the baby boom generation, as well as about the aging process and how needs change over time. A good place to start is with the aging and accessibility section of the Knowledge Center on the ASID Web site, www.asid.org. There you will ﬁnd information about universal design and designing for an aging population, along with links to many other resources on the Web. Teaming with other service providers who work in this ﬁeld, such as graduates of the National Association of Home Builders’ Certiﬁed Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) program, is another good way to grow your knowledge. “Seek out architects and landscape architects who have also expanded their education in the areas of universal design and aging in place to add value to your team,” advises ASID Aging in Place Council chair Drue Lawlor, FASID. “Including a contractor who has experience in these areas and has the same ‘vision’ adds value as well.” ASID has some new resources that can help you get started. A new, free publication, Home for a Lifetime, provides an overview of common life changes and extensive tips on design solutions you can propose to clients who plan to remain in their homes into their later years. The publication, including a detailed resource list, can be downloaded from the ASID Web site. You can also connect with other designers interested in this area by joining the new Aging in Place Listserv. Log in to the member area of the Web site and click on “Discussion Groups” from the menu; then follow the instructions to subscribe to the Listserv. Boomers are looking for homes that will serve them well today and meet their needs in the future. Many see the challenges that their parents and older relatives are facing, and they want to avoid those as much as possible. They also are thinking about making the most of their later years. Now is the time to show them how good design can give them the best of both worlds. ] See the Resource Guide on page 101 for additional resources and information about “Aging in Style.” Talking with Clients About Aging in Place When working with clients who plan to remain in their homes in their later years, you may need to anticipate life changes which they are unable or unwilling to discuss. It is not necessary to raise topics such as impairment or disability that may make your clients uncomfortable. Instead, you can point out the many ways that good lifespan design supports an active lifestyle. • Convenience and comfort. Wider doorways and hallways are easier to navigate and help improve natural daylighting. Lever handles provide a better gripping surface for slippery hands in the kitchen or bathroom. Kitchen countertops set at various heights can accommodate cooks of all ages and sizes. • • • Efficiency. Sensors and pressure-sensitive cooktops conserve energy. A walk-in shower with a removable, adjustable showerhead saves water and the energy required to heat water. Low-maintenance. Short-pile carpets and slip-resistant surfaces are easy to keep clean. Nonporous kitchen and vanity counters resist scratches and stains. Safety. Increased lighting in the kitchen and around work areas reduces shadows and glare. Minimizing the need to reach, stoop or bend to access closets and cupboards eliminates the need for step stools or ladders. For these and other tips on designing for aging in place, download a free copy of the new ASID publication, Home for a Lifetime, from the ASID Web site at www.asid.org. ASID ICON | NOV/DEC 2007 57 http://www.asid.org http://www.asid.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers Contents President’s Message Good to Know Innovations Breathing Life into a Building Designs for Senior Living On the Move Thinking Green Aging in Style Industry Inside ASID Grassroots ASID National Industry Partner Focus Showroom Advertisers Resource Guide Annual Articles Index

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

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