Aging with Grace
“I’m growing older but not up.” ~ Jimmy Buffett
May is the month of my birth, which might explain why I’ve been thinking a lot about aging recently. This year isn’t a huge milestone or anything. (That was last year.) This year simply marks another trip around the sun, but I’m grateful for that. I’m also learning to be practical about it. For example, my knees have started adding their own soundtrack to my workouts, so I’m giving them a little attention. I’ve added targeted conditioning workouts, and I’m researching supplements for extra support. Crunchy knees are a part of life, so I’m dealing with them.
We all tend to make those adjustments when it comes to aging. It’s natural. However, I find that most people are resistant to making the same kind of adjustments when it comes to interior design. We call it “aging in place,” modifying our homes to better suit our changing needs. It’s also called “accessible design.” And although both phrases sound very professional and politically correct, they both tend to conjure up images of grab bars and wheelchair ramps. I need neither of those at this point in my life, so why be concerned about such issues? The point is to be practical about the future.
Believe it or not, many aspects of accessible design are already included in our current building standards. Consider a typical kitchen layout. The bare minimum walkway between cabinets and/or walls is 36”. I tend to prefer 42” or more, if I can get it, but I won’t go below 36”. That’s also the standard doorway clearance in most commercial buildings and many newer homes. It also just happens to be the clearance needed for someone in a wheelchair. In other words, your kitchen layout has already taken a step toward accessible living, and it isn’t difficult to take even more steps in that direction.
I think my parents did a great job of preparing for the future when they built their new house. Newly retired, they are still very active and don’t have issues with mobility. Still, they designed their home knowing that abilities can change over time, and they made practical design decisions around that idea. The house is one level, with a single bonus room upstairs for storage. If stairs become a problem in the future, they can still access the majority of their home. The lot is mostly level with a flat driveway, making it easier for a wheelchair or walker to maneuver. The master bathroom has a large shower, with a low entry and benches for seating. These design elements will allow them to live comfortably in their home for years to come.
Most of us have a vague idea that we may have mobility issues at some point in the future. But some people live with the reality that a chronic condition will eventually confine them to a wheelchair. How do those individuals design for the future, without sacrificing style? I’ve already mentioned some simple ways: single-level living, adequate clearance between cabinets or furniture, low entry or curbless showers. In addition, open spaces under the countertop in the kitchen and bathroom can provide space for a stool, allowing someone to sit and work at the counter. The same space allows for a wheelchair user to roll in and use the counter. Counter heights can also be modified to allow for better accessibility. The ADA height for accessible countertops is 34”, only 2” lower than the standard 36”. On first glance, kitchen cabinets at this height really don’t appear to be different than a standard kitchen. These simple changes can be seamlessly integrated into the design of the home.
We all know that the future is uncertain, and nobody likes to contemplate the loss of health or mobility. However, a little preplanning can go a long way. Elements like these, carefully woven into your home’s design, can allow you to comfortably live and function in your home, no matter what the future may bring.
