It’s not just our population that’s aging. Our homes are too. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ Improving America’s Housing 2023 report, our houses are older today than at any time ever recorded. Despite a $567 billion remodeling boom last year, JCHS asserts that greater investment is still needed to improve energy efficiency, accommodate accessibility for an aging population, and provide better resilience against natural disasters. Those last two, especially accessibility, add wellness design to a residence.
Accessibility
“Many homes lack basic features that make them accessible for people with limited mobility, such as those using a wheelchair or a walker,” the report noted. As the share of older adults and multi-generational households grow, more homeowners are likely to take on accessibility projects. Inclusive design consultant and occupational therapist Sydney Marshman in Des Moines is one of the professionals they can call upon. Clients typically contact her when a new difficulty arises at home, she shared in an email.
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