I was struck by an article by Dr. Dr Sunil Bhatia in that way when a subject just doesn’t leave you alone – it kept popping up in my thoughts. Dr. Bhatia created and runs the Design For All Institute of India and publishes a monthly newsletter. He recently wrote...
10 Simple Home Improvements for Seniors
Are you 55 or older? What would be the simple improvements to make your home get you another ten years of usability? AARP does annual surveys to assess the desire to age in place, and the means which people are employing to do so. This annual survey, in its fifth...
10-Minute Improvements
“I did not know that!” There are many steps one takes toward becoming a universal design environment and many are as simple as a trip to the store or a few simple changes in the home. Many are common-sense improvements which contribute to your home working with greater ease. Increase...
A Pet Cat?
Parents of young children sometimes find themselves facing the pet cat question. They never had a cat, they never wanted a cat, but now their child is begging for one. In private, the parents discuss the pros and cons. Well, the cat needs to be fed, taken to the vet...
A Reading List
I recently received a call from someone seeking building specifications for universal design. She wanted to know heights, distances, widths, brightness, etc. I humbly told her that I’m not the spec guy. Those are codes and in the USA, codes are local, very local. Not only do you want to...
Visitability by Konrad Kaletsch
Topics: Information, Video Links
An aging population will benefit from new ways of building that allow us to age in our homes. Visitability is: one zero-step entrance with a wider entrance door (36″), wider interior halls and doors (32″), and a bathroom, all on one floor, meaning anyone can visit your home without fear...
Tags: Konrad Kaletsch, visitability
A Boomer Legacy by Konrad Kaletsch
Topics: Information, Video Links
Baby Boomers have impacted American and global history by sheer force of their numbers creating many lasting legacies. There is one more to go – how to age. Recorded February 2010....
Living Large In The 70’s by Konrad Kaletsch
Topics: Information, Video Links
Stumble into your 70’s and hope for the best? Not a winning formula. You can plan for your 70’s as easily as you plan for a vacation. This video helps you get started. Recorded June 2009....
Tags: aging, Konrad Kaletsch
Impact of Time on Design by Konrad Kaletsch
Topics: Information, Video Links
Time was measured by nature until late 13th century when mechanisms began to successfully measure time. Since then time has marched forward measuring shorted intervals and with greater accuracy. The impact on design is a shift from doing it right to doing in on time. How do we return to...