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Senior Summit in OKC A Great Success

8/16/2012

 
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Presenters: Pat Darlington, Kay Stewart and John Harned
Oklahoma County has more than 110,000 citizens over the age of 60 and local organizations and country government recently stepped up to support and provide options to their large elder population.  This week, the United Way of Central Oklahoma, AARP Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Homebuilders Association and the Oklahoma County Government sponsored a Senior Summit to provide information, knowledge and options to more than 100 seniors in attendance. 

By all accounts, it was a great success. The feedback provided by those seniors clearly indicated that living in a home of their own choosing was at the top of the list. 

Break out sessions with the seniors gave the organization leaders great feedback on what might be on their minds and what just might be needed to take care of this significant group of Oklahomans.  While concerns about the deterioration of local neighborhoods, home maintenance and public transportation were clearly indicated, the majority also stated that being in their own home was top of mind, especially if certain modifications could be made that would increase the level of comfort, security and safety. Wider doors, bathroom safety, energy efficiency and elevating dishwashers were options the seniors stated would be in their list of preferences.
 

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Christi Jernigan and Blair Schoeb
Hosted by Ray Vaughn, Chair of the Board of Oklahoma County Commissioners, several speakers offered a variety of housing and home environments, from assisted living to co-housing to updating a home for a lifetime.  Kudos go to Blair Schoeb, Senior Vice President at United Way of Central Oklahoma, Mike Means, the executive director of the OK State Home Builders Association, Sean Voskuhl, the State Director of AARP Oklahoma and Christi Jernigan, the Director of Oklahoma County Social Services for all the hard work they put forth to organize this event.  

Also in attendance during an afternoon session were business, professional and tradespeople including homebuilders, developers, Realtors, physical therapists and bankers, all who were interested in the business opportunity created by the 73 million baby boomers who are looking for options in their later lives. 


Outcomes from the summit will include a report to the participating organizations that will indicate the services and resources seniors may need in choosing the type of housing that is right for them.  

A special shout out go to hosts, Blair and Christi for inviting Michael Thomas, FASID to participate in the event and for making his return trip to Central Oklahoma such a great success.  ;-)     



How About High Style Universal Design?

8/24/2011

 
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Some time ago, a senior moment here,... as I think it was about 8 years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a healthcare symposium in Orlando at their mammoth Orange Country Convention Center.  In conjunction with the event, there was a rather small product expo that showcased a number of vendors who cater to the "homecare / personal nursing" market. 

There were a few products that were interesting such as a fully-lockable, 5" deep medicine chest that was made to fit between the studs in a wall, a grab bar - what I prefer to call a balance bar - that was made from glow-in-the-dark material, and a shower seat made from recycled teak with a design that was so amazingly beautiful that it really should have been marketed to designers for use in a entry hall, foyer, at the end of the bed or in a living room.  It was just that good looking.  Great looking products that can be safe and supportive of one's independence yet provide a sense of style would be most warmly welcomed by both baby boomers and all of us designers. 

Wandering the convention center thru the miles of aisles, I came into a section where small specialized vendors had designed and executed very creative designs for wheelchairs.  One in particular was crafted from lightweight graphite with racing-style wheels, interchangeable leather seat and back cushions and a slick paint job in what I would call Ferrari red with black accents.  


It really was something to see and I remarked to the young gentleman - his name was Jim - who was the designer that it was like a fine piece of art.  Jim just grinned from ear to ear as he looked up at me from his seated position in this striking wheelchair design.  He told me that he lost use of his legs since his accident on the ski slopes and could not find a chair that didn't look like it was from some institution.  So having been educated as an engineer, Jim decided to create something special that would be comforting as well as great looking.  And he did.  I asked him what something like this Ferrari chair might sell for and he suggested that he had at least $1,800 in materials alone so I'm thinking it would be well above $3k once it hit the marketplace.

But it makes me wonder, even today,...some 8 years later, why we don't see more really cool designs for wheelchairs like Jim's. Designers like myself create high style interiors - and exteriors - that allow anyone to live with a high measure of independence in an environment that is also visually great but safe, comforting, functional and secure. Seems that there would be demand for a high style chair that is visually sensational but also functional, safe, and secure.  Just wondering.  
Universal design meets Bauhaus might be a start.  What do you think?

What's Next After Next: Green Design + Aging In Place = Sustainable Humanity

8/10/2011

 
Who hasn't heard at least something about green or sustainable design?  

One would have had to be on a planet in the third solar system past the sun not to have at least learned something about the need to conserve our planet's resources.  And the same goes for the concept of designing spaces to accommodate people as they age, what many know as universal design for aging-in-place.  So once these concepts are broadly accepted by consumers and clients, what's next?

I propose that what's next is the merging of those into one larger movement.  After all, green design focuses on environmental sustainability.  Universal design on social sustainability. It seems then only logical that thru the design of environments, the quality of the human experience would be elevated by combining independency thru barrier free spaces with those that provide high quality indoor air (as an example, thru the use of paint finishes with low VOCs.)  This would no doubt result in exceptional environments that enhance the quality of the human experience.
  
Seems simple when you think about it.  
Sustainable Design For Aging In Place. 
That's what's next after next. 
    Michael A. Thomas, FASID, interior designer in Phoenix, AZ
    Michael A. Thomas, FASID

    Welcome To This Boomer's Design Blog!

    Michael A. Thomas, FASID is an author, writer and interior designer who as a caregiver developed a passion for creating homes without barriers, maximizing the independence of his clients and having a little fun along the way.  
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    Feel free to contribute your thoughts in this blog.
    _________________________

    Co-Author: Residential Design For Aging In Place.  To learn more, CLICK HERE. 


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