No Surprise – Baby Boomers Are Still Rocking!
Were you aware that, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 7,900 Baby Boomers will turn 60 every single day this year with some sources stating the number is as high as 10,000 a day, according to the Pew Research and the Social Security Administration? Regardless of the number, the fact remains that the Baby Boomer group, of which I am one, are simmering and seasoning in great quantities as we gather in the years.
Because of our presence, we are also rocking loose various outlooks in the housing industry. Gone are the days when children of aging parents actively search for that place to put mom and dad as they near their sixties and seventies!
“We, the moms and dads, are quite capable, in most instances, of making that decision for ourselves and we are deciding to age in place and continue to live life as we desire.”
With the increase in various age groups living together on this planet, the housing industry is recognizing that, for the first time in a long time, today’s homeowners could be taking care of children and parents at the same time and under the same roof!
Pretty exciting news when thinking of the community this can create and the enrichment to persons of all ages as stories are shared and traditions are not forgotten but strengthened. Yet, how to create a safe living environment for all ages under one roof is becoming a priority for designers, architects, and homebuilders.
When considering the three generational plus living situations, there are lots of cool and helpful amenities that could be considered in designing or remodeling a home, In fact, it is my experience that the buyer’s eyes are starting to look for these features in the homes that they buy.
In the July 2017 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, the results of a survey conducted by NAHB Remodelers, the remodeling arm of the Washington, DC-based National Association of Home Builders, revealed an increase in homeowner’s awareness of simple, relatively inexpensive aging-in-place remodeling projects.
Let’s start in the kitchen. It is always possible to fall or get cut or burnt accidentally no matter your age and changes that can reduce these painful mishaps are welcome! Imagine voice activation in the kitchen, a big screen to stay in touch with people, touch faucets with easy to read indicators, touch-to- open cabinets, flexible-height surfaces, and accessible storage.
Eliminating any change in flooring transition levels between the kitchen and other rooms can lower the chance of tripping not to mention the wonderful looking products that provide non-slippery easy-to-care-for surfaces on floors and countertops. Consider having automatic lights within drawers and cabinets as they are opened so items could be easily seen. These are ideas would be helpful not only to me and other peers, but grandkids and their parents.
“Next, consider the bathroom. Starting at the door, make sure it is wide enough to handle easy passage. Then, make the floors level, both at the door and the shower while adding non-slippery surfaces.”
According to the Center of Disease Control, approximately 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit the emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom.
Yes, we Baby Boomers continue to rock the world with hopes of making it a better place for all those following us, including the world of housing!
“On to the toilets and tubs! The right height toilet just makes it easier on everyone. The walk-in tub is becoming more versatile in installation and design elements. It is possible to have a beautiful bathroom with all the cool new features that create a safe healthy environment and makes us feel like royalty!”
Yes, we Baby Boomers continue to rock the world with hopes of making it a better place for all those following us, including the world of housing!
“Plan to see us remodeling our homes or looking for homes that have all those cool amenities that will not only help us, but make omes safer for our children and grandchildren.”
