"Aging in place" refers to living where you have lived for years,
typically not in a health care environment, using products, services,
and conveniences which allow you to remain home as circumstances change.
In other words, you continue to live in the home of your choice safely
and independently as you get older.
The
aging in place and green movement are two seemingly unrelated concepts
that are on the rise; and potentially mutually supportive.
Green Aging in Place: 4 Components
Aging in place and green construction-remodeling are two mega-trends
for the 21st century which act synergistically to help older adults
remain independent and healthy while supporting the environment. The 4
components of green aging in place are; Green Strategies, Universal
Design, Assistive Technologies, and Traditional Neighborhood
Developments (TND):
#1 Green strategies for the home generally consist of 5 elements
1.
Environmentally friendly construction- Using renewable materials and
recycled content, as well as home design/orientation that takes
advantage of natural light.
2. Energy saving- Use of energy-efficient bulbs, appliances, windows, and water heating systems with ENERGY STAR ratings.
3.
Water conservation- Replacing old (or buying new), faucets,
showerheads, and toilets with low-flow fixtures, tankless water heaters,
low-volume irrigation systems, rain water collection systems, and hot
water recirculation systems.
4. Healthy indoor quality- Use of
low-VOC paints, finishes, and wall papers, heating & AC ventilation
systems sized for efficient and properly vented home, bathroom-kitchen
fans to cycle fresh air.
5. Outside the house- Preserving trees
and other native vegetation, landscaping with plants appropriate for the
climate-and grouping according to water needs, limit solid surfaces
like concrete in exchange for permeable surfaces life gravel whenever
possible.
#2 Universal Design
Universal design is the
creation of environments and products which are meant to usable by all
people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation
or specialization.
Universal design is the legacy of the late Ron Mace, FAIA, and
founder of The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State
University. His vision of a world accessible to everyone regardless of
abilities is realized through a set of 7 design principles:
1.
Equitable Use - The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group
of users and is marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use - The design accommodates a wide range of
individual preferences (i.e., L/R handed) and abilities; provides choice
in methods of use.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use - Use of the design is easy to
understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language
skills, or current concentration level; eliminates unnecessary
complexity.
4. Perceptible Information - The design communicates necessary
information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or
the user's sensory abilities; uses pictures, audible, or tactical
methods.
5. Tolerance for Error - The design minimizes hazards and the
adverse consequences of accidental or unintended fatigue; elements most
used should be most accessible, or fail-safe features included.
6. Low Physical Effort - The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Appropriate Size and Space - The appropriate size and space is
provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the
user's body size, posture, or mobility.
Universal Design ranges from the built environment (i.e., ramps & rails) to personal items (i.e., OXO utensils).
#3 Assistive Technologies
Computerized ubiquitous monitoring systems ("tele"); as well as
other assistive devices which facilitate aging in place. Telemonitoring
systems use a recorded voice which greets the senior in the comfort of
their own home environment and instructs them to automatically take
readings for blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, weight, temperature
and even blood glucose measurements. These vital signs are crucial in
monitoring patient's health conditions. The information is then sent to
nurses and doctors to evaluate
(saves car trips to the office or hospital).
#4. Traditional Neighborhood Developments
Neo-traditional neighborhoods, or what have been termed "Traditional
Neighborhood Developments," are another piece of the green aging in
place puzzle. A TND contains some of the following elements:
-Town centers and shops within walking distance
-Housing of different types to accommodate families of varying sizes/circumstances
-Multi-generational
-Porches on homes
-Narrow pedestrian-friendly streets
-Locations on transit/bus lines
-Mix-use (commerce & residential)
TNDs are an alternative
to urban sprawl and auto dependency. This preserves country side and
farm land while decreasing suburban-isolation of older adults aging in
place.
Aging in place is green and supports sustainability by
remodeling verses tearing down to rebuild. Further, green includes
living in a healthy environment which is essential as older adults face
increasing infirmities.
The blending of aging in place with green
elements, universal design, assistive technologies, and traditional
neighborhood developments, results in homes (and neighborhoods) which
are safer, healthier, beautiful, comfortable, more valuable, and support
the environment.
