How Baby Boomers Are Shaping Home Design

The United States is getting older, and that shift is changing how people live, especially at home. The baby boomer generation began turning 65 in 2011. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, by 2029, when every boomer has reached 65, more than 20 percent of the U.S. population will be over that age.

That trend is easy to see in Northeast Georgia, where new active adult and assisted living communities seem to open every month. It is also showing up in the kind of remodeling homeowners ask for.

Hall County Is Aging Faster Than the Nation

A University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government study for Vision2030, "Gainesville in Focus," projected that residents 65 and older would make up nearly 25 percent of Hall County by 2020 and more than 30 percent by 2030. That is faster than the national average.

At Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling, we see it in our own projects. More clients come to us wanting to renovate so they can care for an aging parent, or so they can stay independent in their own homes for years to come.

What Age-in-Place Design Includes

Aging in place focuses on two goals: accessibility and safety.

Accessibility. Details you never think about, like faucet handles, cabinet pulls and doorway widths, start to matter as mobility and grip strength change. Everyday tasks get harder when a home was not designed with them in mind. Lever handles, wider doors, pull-out shelves and comfort-height counters make a big difference.

Safety. Not every fall can be prevented, but thoughtful renovations reduce the risk. Common upgrades include:

• Sturdy handrails on every staircase
• Ramps or zero-step entries
• Grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces in bathrooms
• Brighter, better-placed lighting

Think Beyond the Obvious

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers a helpful checklist of age-in-place considerations. It covers everything from low-maintenance landscaping to slip-resistant flooring and lever-style faucets.

Most importantly, age-in-place remodeling does not have to look institutional. An experienced remodeler can work accessibility and safety features into a design that is warm, attractive and true to your style. Our post on age in place and universal design shows how, and remodeling for multigenerational living covers homes shared by more than one generation.

Plan Ahead With an Age-in-Place Specialist

Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling guides homeowners through every step, from consultation and design planning to construction. Learn more about our age-in-place remodeling services.

Have questions about aging in place or adding on? Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or schedule a consultation today.