Windows & Doors

Universal Design Is in Demand
Baby Boomers Elect to Age-In-Place

(Metro) -- Baby Boomers. Born between 1946 and 1964, they are 77 million strong. They constitute more than 25 percent of the U.S. population. And every 8 seconds another boomer turns 50 years old, making the mature market the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. This 50-plus generation is sophisticated, active and independent, and they are initiating massive changes in the marketplace as they arrive at each new stage of life, generating huge demand for products and services benefiting each juncture.

Embracing Aging-In-Place
Recent studies show a whopping 85 percent of people over the age of 65 want to continue living at home, whether it is a condominium, single-family home or independent apartment in a retirement community. Commonly referred to as Aging-In-Place, it means living in one's dwelling safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age, income, or ability level. It means the pleasures of living in a familiar environment throughout one's maturing years, and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich your lives. It means staying close to friends and family members.

For those opting to age-in-place, it also means that varying degrees of home modifications will probably be necessary in order to make living spaces more "age-friendly." Typical modifications to consider in new construction or remodeling projects include equipping doors and faucets with easy-to-use levers instead of knobs, installing casement and other crank-style windows that are easy to open and close, grab bars in bathrooms, curb less doorways, lowering light switches and raising outlets.

Jumping on the Bandwagon
Maybe you're finally an empty nester. Perhaps one of your parents has health problems and visits often, or will even be moving in with you. Or possibly you're just planning for your own future. Whatever the reason, designing a new interior for a condominium complex or retirement community that is age-friendly is a good idea.

"Everyone has a connection," says Jeff Williams, senior brand manager at Weather Shield Windows and Doors. "Everyone knows someone who can benefit from accessible design. Aging-in-Place is consumer-driven, and consumers are beginning to understand the value of home modification and universal design. They are realizing the cost to build a new home or condo with accessible features is negligible compared to the cost of traditional assisted living."

The Boomer Mindset
Exploring the mindset of boomers is critical to understanding their zest for life and their aversion to anything that makes them feel old, including grab bars and other products they feel are "institutional."

"The challenge for builders and re-modelers is to remove the stigma, and promote the convenience that aging-in-place design features play in creating accessible, barrier-free environments without disturbing the aesthetics of a home," says Dave Koester, brand manager at Weather Shield. "Weather Shield is committed to designing age-friendly, good-looking products, such as our easy-to-operate double-hung tilt windows, to meet the growing demand. We also offer barrier-free door sills to accommodate wheelchairs, electric window operators, casement operator handles, low-maintenance window and door exterior and interior finishes, and burglar-resistant laminated glass for security."

As boomers get older, the demand for universally designed retirement communities, condominiums and single-family homes is going to grow exponentially. "Designing barrier-free living environments is one of the hottest trends in the building and remodeling marketplace today," notes Williams. "Universal design is improving the livability of communities nationwide."

CAPTION: Crank-style windows are easy to open and close.

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