What is Universal Design (UD)?

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How Universal Design = Quality Living for a Lifetime

Demographic Trends of the Aging Population

Consider the following:

• Women are living longer than men.
• The greatest wealth is owned by those in the 50+ age group.
• One in four adults are 50 years or older and those in the 85 and older age group are the fastest-growing segment of the population.
• Most people want to age in their homes, rather than in an institution.
• The typical homeowner desires convenient, timesaving and efficient features in their homes that allow greater ease, comfort and security in their hectic lives.
• The average person can expect to experience a disability at some point in their lives.
• Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis and over/under use of medications show no age boundaries, affecting both young and old.
• Multigenerational family living is on the rise, and adult children are living at home longer.
• The number of households headed by single female wage earners continues to grow.

Facts like these about our population and their implications given our current housing stock are causing a re-evaluation of our home environment. Universal Design considers lifestyle changes and incorporates principles, features and concepts that allow individuals of all ages and abilities the opportunity to occupy a home that better supports their individual and ever-changing needs. This new standard in housing is gaining recognition that is building momentum daily.

Winston Churchill said, "First we shape our houses, then they shape us." If our houses are not built to promote ease, convenience, safety and our general welfare, shouldn't they be? We can put a man on the moon, clone a sheep and send a message around the world instantly, yet we have been negligent in accomplishing the very basics of "to thine own self be true." The flexibility, ease, comfort and security of a universally designed environment seamlessly exhibits beauty and logic -- it's wonder why the obvious has evaded our world for so long. Think about the following:

How Might Universal Design Apply to these Scenarios?

• Tennis elbow and are not able to function as well as you normally would?
• Limited mobility from recovery time after surgery?
• Not being able to bring a large piece of furniture into or through the house?
• Not knowing who was at the door until it was opened?
• Steps or doorways that keep someone you love from visiting you?
• Bathing difficulty because of a cast on your leg or having to use crutches?
• Multi-tasking with a baby stroller and groceries in hand?
• Burning yourself carrying hot food to the table?
• Having to sit during the all-day preparation of your Thanksgiving feast?
• Inability to reach far enough or deep enough to obtain the item that you need?
• If something is "out of sight" it is "out of mind?"?
• Making things in your home safer, more convenient and/or more comfortable so family members, both young and senior, can help with the daily chores?
• Even if you deny it, age will catch up with you and, because of your environment you have to leave your home before you are ready?

As a society we strive to embrace each other's needs and to support a system of bettering our conditions by using each person's individual talents and vocations. Universal Design, implemented today, will benefit and endure beyond our lifetime to those we care about in generations to come. Universal Design is a living legacy evoked by the desire for positive change.

We can make this a way of life for everyone. We can enhance life in the future by how be embrace life today. There is no reason to wait. When it comes to our most important and most valuable investment, our home, there should be no short-changing. Universal Design, when properly planned and implemented, will bring more substance and value to one's life over any other lifestyle change.

Living life to the fullest is the sweetest gift of all. It is a gift you will want to share with others.

• Previous Page: 1. Definitions & Importance of UD
• Next Page : 3. Principles of UD

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