Aging-in-Place
"Universal Design Resident"

Aging in place design has inevitably become a hot topic in recent years. North America’s aging population is on the rise. It is estimated that between now and 2060, the number of seniors in the U.S. will nearly double — from approximately 52 million to 95 million.

According to the Global Coalition on Aging, roughly 70% of America’s senior population is greatly in need of long-term services and support. The survey also shows that independent living is important to aging Americans: 65% of seniors would prefer to avoid moving into a retirement home. Another survey indicates that in Hawaii, where I live and work, the proportion of seniors wishing to avoid a retirement home could be as high as 90% due to the high cost of these facilities. Quite aside from cost considerations, baby boomers generally prefer to remain at home with their families and in their familiar neighborhoods and environment. Moreover, only 15% of them are taking any action to adapt their homes to accommodate their aging bodies’ needs because people fear getting old and prefer to avoid thinking about the realities of old age.

How can comfortable conditions at home be provided? Interior designers must have the knowledge and expertise required to design accessible, comfortable, safe, and uplifting spaces that enable seniors to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. It is not true, as some people believe, that homes modified to accommodate senior living drop in value. The fact is that good Aging-in-Place interior design can actually increase a home’s value while providing a safer environment for daily living. This type of design requires special training. Designers with the expertise to create homes that accommodate individuals with a variety of specific special needs are called “Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists” (CAPS), but only some of these are also skilled in the intricacies of upgrading homes to the “Luxury” level. 

Luxury design is far deeper than merely creating striking visual treatments and incorporating objects intended to impress others. Following Universal Design principles, we're able to create environments that individuals of all levels of ability and mobility can enjoy. Thanks to living with her 90-year-old mother in a universal design residence (her own design, of course), Reiko Lewis has been paying close attention to the evolving meaning of “luxury,” which is now more than ever about a place that radiates comfort, offers safety and health-related features, enhances the joy of living, and promotes peace of mind. 

Reiko is both a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and a qualified “Luxury Design Specialist.” Passionate about her projects, she works thoughtfully, employing a detailed design process that allows her to achieve both safety and functionality while also providing a luxurious “runway look.”

We’ve prepared an Aging-in-Place design checklist to make sure you cover the most important design features for your new dream home. This checklist should reassure you that the layout and designs will help you live comfortably in your home for as long as your health allows. Some of the items may be too technical for most homeowners, so you might wish to consider hiring an interior designer to assist you.

To get you started, download the Ultimate Aging-in-Place Design Checklist below.