DESIGN FOR EVERYONE

摘要

As the first wave of baby boomers hits their "golden years," there is a growing demand for housing that meets their changing physical needs. According to the U.S. Census, by the year 2020 over 20 percent of the U.S. population will be over age 65. A 2005 survey of its Maryland members conducted by AARP finds that 84 percent of respondents wanted to stay in their own homes for the long term. If you add the number of people disabled by injury or disease who require accessible, or barrier-free, homes, the need for changes in housing design is even greater. What are the physical challenges that the older and disabled population face in a traditional home? Wheelchair users often find they cannot get into a bathroom because the doorway is too narrow. Or they get stuck in the bathroom for hours because there isn't enough space to turn the wheelchair around or exit. In addition, light switches, thermostats, and door locks may be unreachable from a wheelchair. Adding grab bars in a bathroom seems simple enough, but walls typically must be reinforced to handle the extra weight and give proper support. Installing door levers could improve the life of an arthritis suffer who finds turning doorknobs difficult.