A couple of weeks ago, several members of the Design Alliance for Accessible Sustainable Environments (DAASE) attended a symposium on the campus of the University of Southern California presented by the USC / Davis School of Gerontology and the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center.  

Nearly 150 people from a variety of backgrounds including interior designers, builders, occupational and physical therapists attended the daylong conference, which featured knowledgable speakers, a panel discussion, breakout sessions on design and workshops on topics related to the conference’s theme of aging in place and universal design.

Several attended the event specifically to hear the keynote address by Henry Cisneros, a former mayor of San Antonio, the former Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development( HUD) and the author of a well written book, Independent For Life: Homes and Neighborhoods For An Aging America. 

In his 20 minute address to the crowded auditorium, he passionately spoke of his own personal experiences with his late mother, her desire to remain in the family home as she grew on in years and remain in the surrounding neighborhood where she has raised her family, had many close friends and attended church.

Cisneros’ story was beautifully told but it wasn’t a story particularly unique to him. Studies by AARP and others consistently show that the majority of older Americans prefer to age in place, in the homes and communities of their choice.  And in a most recent survey, 90% of Baby Boomers would prefer to remain in their own place for as long as possible. But the question may be: Are our homes, neighborhoods and communities equipped to meet the needs of growing numbers of older Americans?

The answer is a resounding NO!  The architecture of most American homes, a substantial number built between 1946 and 1964 to answer the need of a growing population of fathers and mothers and their Boomer Babies, were not designed to adapt, accommodate nor anticipate the physical needs of Boomers in their later years.  

American traditional and ranch style architecture, popular designs of the era, features steps leading up to a front porch, small halls, narrow doors and sunken living rooms, each of which creates obstacles that can impede mobility and reduce one’s personal independence. 

In Cisneros’s remarks, he asked those attending to consider that “the sheer size of the baby boom generation guarantees that, as the health and mobility of so many begin to deteriorate, communities could be saddled with enormous burden. What can be done quickly and affordably to support successful aging in communities throughout the United States? What will be our plan for supporting the oldest of the old among us?

We learned that there is no easy answer with no one perfect solution but to begin with one client, one home at time and provide each with options that support their quality of life,... ideas like creating building earthen berms for pathways that lead to front entry thereby getting rid of steps; and opening up interior spaces by eliminating doors and when possible and economical, widening halls to maximize passageways. But there is more that can be done beyond just remodeling current housing and building new homes for accessibility and safety. 

The impact of the 76 million Boomers and the change it will have on our culture requires us to consider how to retrofit existing neighborhoods to connect needed services and amenities, and make plans for new communities that work well for people of all ages and all abilities.

In his concluding remarks, Cisneros said,

“We, as a nation, must examine ways to support aging in place for the unprecedented numbers of older Americans seeking to live healthy and contributing lives in communities that serve all ages. Americans are aging in traditional homes, neighborhoods and communities that were designed for yesterday’s demographic realities, not those of today or in the future.”

“Homes can be retrofitted, new age-appropriate homes built, existing neighborhoods reconnected and new communities planned. Financial strategies must adapt to new needs and opportunities. Public opinion must be better aligned with the values of accessibility, affordability, connectivity and diversity. All levels of government must address these challenges with bold solutions.”

The members of the Design Alliance For Accessible Sustainable Environments couldn’t agree more. 

During this unique online conference, we will feature our State Of The Organization presentation and an open Town Hall Member Meeting.  In addition, we will be debuting our IDECE-approved continuing education for our practitioner and professional members.  

During the conference, you will be able to interact with the group, ask questions, make comments about the direction of our organization and provide recommendations for our future strategies.  Look for the official announcement along with the Conference Agenda headed to your email in the next few weeks. 

If you have an interest in providing a presentation during the conference, CLICK HERE to send us an email.  

As a part of our continuing interview series with members, we reached out to Patricia Lockwood to learn more about this DAASE member and what she believes when it comes to "staying in place." Her answers were very interesting and revealing,... especially about her single biggest challenge.   
 
1. At what point in your life did you discover an interest in your current profession?
My parents tell me that when I was in preschool, I would go get my Dad and lead him upstairs to help rearrange my bedroom furniture.  So obviously, it goes back before I can even remember.
 
2. Why do you believe that accessible and sustainable design is such an important concept?
We want to create a space where people can stay in place because we are all living longer. I know my clients in Southern California live active lifestyles because of our great climate and the availability of activities such as golf and tennis.  We should all be thinking about accessibility when we remodel a house instead of waiting until it's too late. 
 
3. What is the biggest single challenge in the implementation of accessible, sustainable design?
Denial. People do not necessarily want to face aging and loss of independence. Also, I think a fear of the style and how it might look in the end holds people back.  Forget your impressions of that outdated handicap hotel room; functional sustainable design done right can be stylish and beautiful.
 
4. Considering your clients, what might be some of the benefits of “staying in place?”
It's an investment in the future. Not only for resale value of the home but the quality of your life improves by being able to stay in place.  I don't know about you but I'd much rather be able to roll a wheelchair into my own shower rather than at a rehabilitation center or hospital.
 
5. If not this profession, then what other profession or career have you ever contemplated?
Believe it or not, Interior Design is actually my 2nd career. I spent my 20's working as a police officer. Although certainly considered an opposite field, I was in it for the same reasons I'm in design - I love helping people.  Thankfully, I found a place to belong in the design community where I can do just that.