Defining Aging in Place
Aging in place is the concept of remaining in one's chosen home and community for as long as possible. It is often a personalized approach, typically involving modifications and support tailored to an individual's changing needs over time. These changes are often made in response to a health event or decline in function, such as installing grab bars after a fall or a ramp when using a wheelchair.
Key aspects of aging in place
- Personalized: Focuses on the specific needs of the current resident.
- Reactive: Modifications are often made in response to a change in ability or health.
- Comprehensive: Includes home modifications, long-term care, financial planning, and community services.
- Holistic: Encompasses a range of support, from home health aides to transportation.
Defining Universal Design
Universal design is a philosophy focused on creating spaces and products usable by all people, regardless of age, ability, or size. It is a proactive approach integrated into design from the beginning, often in new construction or major remodels. Universal design features are intended to be seamlessly integrated and aesthetically pleasing, benefiting a wide range of individuals, from those with temporary injuries to older adults with mobility concerns. Examples include no-step entryways, wider doorways, and lever handles.
The seven principles of universal design
The Center for Universal Design outlines seven core principles for creating accessible and inclusive environments. You can read the full list on {Link: ODEP Website https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employment-supports/universal-design}.
The Overlap and Synergy: Universal Design as a Tool for Aging in Place
While distinct, universal design supports aging in place by creating a foundation for accessibility. Building with universal design principles proactively can make a home safer and more usable long-term, potentially reducing the need for extensive modifications later. Incorporating features like no-step entries or ground-floor facilities from the start (universal design) makes it easier to age in place even if mobility becomes an issue, allowing the home to adapt to the resident.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Aging in Place | Universal Design |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | To live safely and independently in a familiar home. | To create environments usable by the broadest range of people. |
| Timing | Often reactive; modifications made when needs change. | Proactive; integrated from the initial planning or construction phase. |
| Target Audience | A specific homeowner, typically a senior or someone with a disability. | Everyone, regardless of age, ability, or stage of life. |
| Aesthetics | Modifications can be visible and specialized (e.g., specific grab bars). | Features are transparent and integrated seamlessly into the overall design. |
| Examples | Adding a stairlift, installing a ramp, adding grab bars after an incident. | No-step entries, wide hallways, lever handles, curbless showers. |
| Cost | Costs can be high for reactive, retrofitted projects. | Often more cost-effective when implemented during new construction. |
Which approach is right for you?
The best approach depends on your current situation and future planning. For those planning ahead, universal design is a cost-effective way to build a home that is accessible for everyone for years to come. As the NCOA notes, proactive planning can enhance security for aging in place. If you are an older adult facing immediate mobility challenges, an aging in place strategy focused on specific modifications to your current home may be the necessary step. Ideally, universal design provides a strong base for an aging in place plan, minimizing the need for later, reactive changes.
Conclusion: Building for a Lifetime
The key difference lies in approach and scope: aging in place is a personal goal for seniors often involving reactive modifications, while universal design is a proactive philosophy to create environments accessible to all. Universal design supports aging in place by providing an inclusive foundation, reducing the need for future, specific modifications and ensuring a safer, more comfortable home for everyone from the outset.
