Ageing by Design

Coming Out!, a photo by gingerpig2000 on Flickr.

One of the issues I see in design is the understanding that a significant segment of the consumers are older people, and that they, like all of us, will only get older.

In a way I was lucky because I have suffered from a skin condition that leaves flecks of dry skin everywhere and arthritis since I was about 30. Lucky, because it gave me a perspective on what it must be like to get old long before I arrive there.

I need a flooring system that is easy to clean and without things to trip over, cupboards that I can reach, places where I can steady myself, and, potentially, room to manoeuvre such items as walking frames and wheelchairs.

And I need my home to remain stylish at the same time.

There are two general paths that design takes - the traditional one that leaves you difficult to clean furniture, and the modern one where there is a plethora of low level surfaces to negotiate. These are not especially good choices when you find movement difficult.

My answer was to have good natural lighting so I can see where I am going and cleaning, a cupboard system either wall mounted at hand height or fully meeting the floor or ceiling to avoid dust crevices below or above that I cannot reach, and no table other than a bar for food preparation, work and eating purposes to free up space and cut down on furniture legs.

The key to good design, as I see it, is not to rely on the past for the overall shape, type and location of furniture but to use it as a source of styling. My apartment does not say 'old people's place' or 'weird' when you look around it, but do you notice something when you have to clean it - it's done quickly.