DESIGNING WELL

Finally "Hardware" to Open and Close a Pocket Door

2011-12-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

New product that makes closing a pocket door possible for anyone. Pocket doors can be retrofitted. Simple push on the door and it closes. Push again and it opens.

The EZ closer also prevents the pocket door from slamming into the pocket frame when the door is being opened. Its spring loaded action works as a shock absorber, which helps prevent damage to the pocket door hardware.
Email info@pcdoors.comPhone (949) 468-0178
PC Doors, LLC
101 Pacifica, suite 200
Irvine
CA 92618

The Lady And The Reaper (La Dama Y La Muerte) 3D

2010-10-26T23:37:00.000-07:00

Food for thought on letting someone die without the heroics of the medical professionals. Interestingly it was produced by Antonio Banderas.

Building Better Neighborhoods, Part 1

2010-10-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a basic visitability video clip

universal design

2010-10-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

I know there has been a lag in postings. I am now back in grad school commuting down to SFSU to obtain a Masters in Gerontology. Please enjoy the posting below. It is my goal that at a minimum we can get the State of California to include the principles of visitability into building codes for all residents.

Living Alone and Loneliness

2010-04-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Identifying Living Arrangements That Heighten Risk for Loneliness in Later Life: Evidence From the U.S. National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project
Emily Anne Greenfield and David Russell
Journal of Applied Gerontology published 13 April 2010, 10.1177/0733464810364985
http://jag.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/0733464810364985v1

This study examines the risk factors of loneliness of living alone. It found that men had a greater feeling of loneliness than women when living alone. However, living with children without a significant other was the source of greater loneliness for women.

When my father in-law moved into an Alzheimer's facility, my mother in-law became very despondent. She began to have more problems with dementia and bladder control. Upon discussion she felt that she would like to move into a assisted facility in her neighborhood. Now that she is at the 'lodge', she is more cognitive and self sufficient. When we go to visit she is never in her apartment but off doing something.

As the result of the study suggests it is important to recognize gender differences in the living arrangements.

Women tend to be more social and it would be interesting to conduct a study between the amount of social interaction needs of men vs women in correlation to loneliness in living arrangements and the affects on cognitive ability. If you know of a study let me know.....

It's Working?

2010-04-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

"Dr. Gary Small, professor of psychiatry at UCLA. As we know, one of the biggest problems of old age is dementia and the loss of thinking skills. But these dramatic results may hold a key for future seniors who will be able to help maintain some of their brain skills because of Internet surfing. That’s because tests are showing that seniors are improving even if they have only been spending a small amount of time surfing. Our conclusion? If your aging parent likes to surf on the internet help him stay interested. Make sure his computer is working and encourage him to spend more time working and playing with it."

http://preventivestrategiesforhealthyaging.com/2009/10/brain-function-may-improve-with-internet-use/

It is not working?

2010-04-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

A six week online study of 11,430 healthy participants. All participants were viewers of a BBC television science program. The group was first tested to establish their baseline ability and then placed in one of three different groups. They only showed improvements at the tests they practiced, and the more they practiced, the better they got. No one in any of the group showed evidence of improvement of cognitive skills.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703763904575196400381395576.html?mod=wsj_share_linkedin

What do you think? As the article quoted there has not been sufficient studies in the area of braining training and fitness but it is a growing industry. According to SharpBrains in San Francisco they forecast the industry to grow to at least $1 billion in five years. The market in North American has already in from $225 million to $265 million in a year.

Consumers account for $95 million with the remeainder from companies and professionals. It is us, darn boomers, who help to drive this industry. As other studies in brain training support the concept that adult brains are like a muscle and can be improved with use. The hope of many is that brain training/cognitive exercises could help to delay dementia.

Luxury Mixed with Practicality

2010-04-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

According to The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Design Trends Survey, compiled from surveying 500 architects to find the most popular design features across the country. Here is what the survey found as the top bathroom remodel trends:
1. Water-saving Toilets
2. Radiant Heat Flooring
3. Universal Design/Accessibility
4. Curbless Showers
5. LED lighting

"With the aging baby boomer generation, it is not surprising that universal design is on the list. "Universal" design means a home is welcoming to everyone, no matter what their situation. It includes such features as a no-step entry, wide doorways and halls, and main floor facilities for the activities of daily living. Whether you are anticipating aging in place, remodeling your home to accommodate an aging parent or disabled family member, or just want to make your home visitable for everyone, there is a growing demand for this design approach. The most common universal design bathroom features are wheelchair accessible showers, lever faucet handles, lever door handles and a sink with knee space below."

http://www.housingzone.com/proremodeler/articleXml/LN1163242514.html?nid=2470&rid=11379189

Generation Y

2010-04-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Generation Y also known as Echo Boomer appear ready to take over. Interestingly, author Marcella Krieter notes in her article that they want quality and durability of products rather than bells and whistles and will not be interested in the mini mansions that their parents so aspired to acquire. Marrying later with a buying power that will outrank their parents the Baby Boomers.
http://www.housingzone.com/proremodeler/articleXml/LN1162275350.html?nid=2470&rid=11379189

Countertop Materials Comparison

2010-04-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Kitchens .com - Countertop Materials

Color Trends 2010

2010-04-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Straight from the Color Marketing Group, Paint Quality Institute, Pantone Color Institute, Benjamin Moore, Behr and Sherwin Williams are the Kitchen color trends for 2010. Their predictions set the tone in color trends for fashionistas, car manufacturers, graphic artists—and kitchen designers. Check it out. Kitchens .com - Color Trends 2010 - Veiled Violets - Lavender Accents#photo#photo

High End Lighting Fixtures Make a Splasth in the Bath

2010-04-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Quoted from the article : "In an era when going away on vacation is not in the budget, many homeowners are finding it makes fiscal sense to turn the master bath into a spa environment with high-end amenities such as soaking tubs, saunas, whirlpools, granite countertops, double sinks, marble and tile flooring, and his and her dressing areas. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), the finishing touch to a redecorated bathroom is complementary lighting that is highly functional and attractive. In response to the increased demand for luxurious bath amenities, lighting manufacturers now offer more high-end fixtures than ever, making this the perfect time to create a splashy bath.

The most critical area for proper lighting is at the mirror, where the majority of grooming tasks takes place. There are two must-haves for proper bath lighting: an ambient light source and task lighting. There has never been a better time to buy a decorative ambient fixture than right now. Lighting manufacturers have designed some truly elegant and highly functional fixtures that will set a luxurious atmosphere for the room and make your guests envious." click on title above to read the entire article

Lighting is a key for all rooms. I was in an older hotel earlier this week which had a single lamp beside the bed and one overhead light near the door. The lighting was dim. In my in-laws home which was built especially for aging, I went through the lighting plan and added $10,000.more in lighting to allow for better wayfinding and safety.

Middle Boomers Retirement Outlook

2010-04-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is no April Fools.
Most middle boomers – the segment of baby boomers who are 52-58 years old right now –aren’t worried about outliving their retirement money. Only 12 percent say this a concern for them. They’re more concerned about
■Being able to afford health care (25%)
■Staying productive and useful (18%)
■Having to work full- or part-time (15%)
■Providing for your spouse’s/partner’s/own long-term care (13%)
■Outliving retirement money (12%)
■Having a comprehensive financial plan (9%)
■No concerns (8%)

As a middle boomer, I am more concerned with health care benefits. This is one of the reasons that my husband and I signed up for long term health care. I would like to meet the 8% who have no worries at all....

A House of Corian

2010-03-24T18:38:00.001-07:00

Design Trends for 2010

2010-03-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Click on the Title to link to the latest trends and report for Kitchen and Bath design. Check out the zero threshold shower. I was at the Environments for Aging in San Diego earlier this week. In speaking with a couple of the manufacturers, I am hopeful that they will implement some of the suggestions and ideas that I offered. The concept for manufacturers should be that design should solve a problem aesthically.

Design in not about design

2010-03-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

I believe that Charles Eames was 100% when he said: "Design is the response to constraints that without constraints there is no design. It's not blue sky thinking. The best design solves problems in ways that no one has thought of before".

Design is not about design. It is about solving problems. Design is a quest to solve real world problems elegantly. As both a gerontologist and a designer, I recognize the strong relationship between the two in solving problems. Many people mistake the term gerontology to mean the study of 'old people' when in fact it is the study of aging. We start to age the moment we are born and if fortunate continuing to age for many years. Both gerontologist and designers want provide solutions that encourage inclusion, independence and choice that contributes to the welfare (well being and quality of life) of individuals. They both strive to provide environments and communities that support wellness, address longer life expectancies and enable individuals of various ages and abilities to devote their energies to life rather than struggling with their environments.

It is critical that we form alliances between the healthcare community, architects and designers to provide environments that meet the health, safety and welfare needs of its users.

Power of Design on Aging in Place

2009-10-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Okay enough blogging about Wellness. Design tips for the month are about Aging in Place. As many know over 90% of the American population over the age of 50 want to continue to live in their homes as long as possible which designers refer to as Aging in Place.

In order to Age in Place successfully we need to be prepared and face the inevitable. The only constant thing in life is actually 'change'. Change is inevitable. In a life cycle change is inevitable. Everybody's life cycle is different. There is no one life cycle the same as another. There is no average, no one pattern fits all. We have no guarantee based on age. Just because one is 10 does not mean that they can walk. The average person can expect to experience a disability at some point in their life. Sometimes the disability is temporary like a broken bone or a sprain. Other times it can be permanent. It is inevitable and sometimes abrupt.

Aging is just one component of the a life cycle. Age is not just a number. Life cycle looks at factors beyond a number. It brings in factors of health and well being. Expectations about aging have changed. Americans are determined to live lives filled with vitality and meaning. Physical ability and age does not have to be included in our definition of vitality and meaning.

Products and environments either create people with disabilities or empower them. People are not disabled by their physical or mental differences as all of us have different physical and mental abilities. We are only disabled when we can't do what we want to do much like a car that does not have the right parts. This is the power of design. Designing environments and products for function as well as aesthetics is called "universal design" and allows for all people (no matter the age or ability) to age in place.

We need to be prepared and know the strategies to remain at home:

Financial
Legal
Transportation
Health
Social
Technology
Home Assessment

Be prepared:

Financial: Checking out long term insurance options and not relying on government assistance to pitch in as it may not be available. On the other hand it also means knowing what type of programs are available if you are a veternan, single parent, senior, etc.
Legal: make legal preparations for independence wills, trusts, estate planning, long term care, government regulations and power of attorneys
Plan on transporation needs now for the future. Imagine if you could not operate a car tomorrow. How would you get around? Friends, family, taxis, buses, trains or special transportation programs.
Health: Live a healthy livestyle. Eat right and exercise. Get those regular checkups. Brush your teeth. There is an online age calculator which shows that taking good care of your teeth can add additional five healthy years to your life.
Social: Keep your networking active. Make new friends. As we live in a mobile society people come and go. Family members live far and wide. It is necessary to keep adding to your social circle. Join a club, learn something new, pursue a hobby, say hi to people.
Technology: Become familiar with technology. Don't believe for one second that an old dog cannot learn a new trick. In fact an old dog make actually invent a new trick. Do not be intimated by technology. When the light bulb first came out would you have been a person who embraced it or sat in the dark? We do not need to know how the computer works anymore than how electricity works we just need to flip the switch.
Home Assessment: The most important rooms in a home for aging in place are the entry, the kitchen and the bathroom. The entry because no matter what our ability we need to get into our house and the bathroom for obvious reasons. The kitchen is the last on the list but is still important in order to make meals. However, if our abilities are decreased we can always have someone cook for us or have food delivered. We cannnot however replace the independence of toilieting ourselves as easily. Features that AARP Survey Findings reported that are required for people to age in place:

Safety features like non slip floors
Grab bars
Front entrance without steps (think of showers as well)
Wider doorways
Lever handled doorknobs
Higher electrical outlets
Lower electrical switches

Look for a recognized professional to help with doing an assessment of our home to determine needs and all options. Professional of choice are those who are recognized through certification programs requiring continuing education and experience. For kitchen and bath design select a professional who is part of NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). National Association of Home Builders have a certification program for professionals who are certified as CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist). All states have a certification program for designers. Look for designers who hold a CID (Certified Interior Designer) designation.

As a CAPS, CID and NKBA member I know the amount of education, experience and training required. You can check the NKBA, CID and NAHB to verify a certification from a professional.

Can you bounce back?

2009-10-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

AARP's last issue had an article on the Secrets of Resilient People which I found encouraging. Although scientists agree that there is a genetic component to resiliency and that certain genes may protect you against trauma, it is felt that resiliency can be learned. Research shows that resilient people share the following common traits:

They turn to others during tough times
They are optomistic
They enjoy themselves and are not afraid to be goofy
They have strong faith
They volunteer and give back to others
They do not spend time fighting battles they know they cannot win
They exercise regularly and maintain a good diet
They turn adversity into strength

Turning to others can be tough but sometimes easier to talk to people you do not know. Support groups can be a great way to help through tough times and situations. People like to help out a friend during tough times as it makes them feel better.

You can learn to be more optmistic. Challenge yourself to spin all negative thoughts into more positive terms. Remember that the cup is half full not half empty.

Be goofy, wonder about things, laugh at yourself. Let your inner child come out and explore. Life is too serious to be serious.

Participate in spiritual activities. Build your spiritual community.

Check out our state website on volunteering there are so many things that can be done. No matter your physical or mental ability there are plenty of opportunities to help others.

Don't whine and complain. Either do something about it or move on. If something is really bothering you write a letter, start a petition or focus on something you can have some influence over.

It only takes 30 minutes of a walking a day to stay in shape. You do not need to run a marathon, bike a gadzillion miles-just walk. Mall walking on rainy days or hot days makes an excellent route. Eating healthy does not mean you have to go on some sort of odd diet. Just focus on those veggies and fruits and cut down ( i didn't say out) those sweets and fats. There are proven benefits of eating dark chocolate (it is the quantity that matters).

Take the painful and let it make you stronger, smarter and more caring. Some of our most important life lessons come from pain-taking our first steps, learning to ride a bike. The loss of my father taught me how to walk beside someone else during their grief. Make those misfortunes into something good.

Go get a pet

2009-10-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Fall newsletter from Anthem Blue Cross and an article in the Nov/Dec issue of AARP both tout the benefits of having a pet. There are almost 2x as many pets in an American household than there are children under the age of 18. Our pet population is exploding and the Nation Institute of Health has launched workshops and studies on the benefits of pet ownership. Pet ownership forces people to exercise more regulary. Studies have found that being near a pet lowers a persons blood pressure, an effect that a family member or close friend cannot do. When a person interacts with a pet the central nervous system has been found to actually release hormones such as oxytocin which produces feelings of pleasure. Not only do the humans release a pleasure hormone but the animal does as well which creates a calming effect for both the pet and the human. Go on out and get yourself a pet.

Complete Streets

2009-10-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Regional Report from SACOG announced that they are working to implement and plan for 'complete steets'. So what is a 'complete street'? It is provide access on roadways that can accomodate bicyclists, pedestrians, transit rides and people of all ages and abilities. According to the report it goes beyond the simple sidewalk but the proponents also claim that there is no one size fits all approach for implementing complete streets. As the goal of a complete street is to use a 'holistic, mobility focused approach to change the way policy makers, planners and engineers think about planning, building and operating the transportation network."

The name sounds great, the idea of streets being inclusive is an obvious plus but is not that whay sidewalks and bikelanes are all about? How much time and money is being spent on holding workshops? Being a Californian myself I hate to even read a definition that other may read that uses the goal of holistic, mobility. Really what we need is to return to the old fashion concept of a 'main' street and local 'downtowns'. Transportation is going to be a giant issue as our population continues to age. We need to have reliable mass transit or the ability to walk downtown to get our needs met.

Kitchens of the Future

2009-09-14T22:15:00.001-07:00

I do not know about you but I would love a slice of cake. It is interesting to note all of the push button ability to operate appliances in the future kitchen.

The Disneyland portion does show the precursor idea of separate refrigerator drawers as well as accessible dishwasher. Notice how the base cabinets do not go all the way to the floor. The kitchen of the future is here with the ability to monitor air, lights, heating from one touch thermostat as well as having the inside of cabinets raise and lower at the push of a button.

Step-Saving Kitchen (1949)

2009-09-14T21:55:00.001-07:00

Check out the "Universal" features in this video: adjustable height, roll out carts, accessible reach

Resistance to Grab bars

2009-09-07T12:32:00.001-07:00

Many designers and builders hesitate to include grab bars into their designs due to the resistance of the public perception that a grab bar signifies that your are old, decrepit or handicapped. We need to remove this stigma and incorrect stereotyping. In fact, we should not be designing for aging or physical challenges as aging and physical challenges are not diseases but a natural part of life. There is really only two choices when it comes to aging: we either age or we die. We start aging the moment we are born. Aging should be embraced, encouraged and celebrated.

And bars in the tub or shower should be included for all ages as they were originally proposed

in advertisements we see below from the 1950's.

Women in a "Cinderella" bathtub from Kohler

Universal Ideas are Actually Old: Example One

2009-09-07T12:12:00.001-07:00

I have been researching and compiling photos for an upcoming presentation that I am giving at the MS Conference in Woodlands this month. In looking at some of the features that are being hailed as wonderful universal design ideas, which they are, it is intersting to note that many of these design features were presented years ago.

One such feature is the undercounter dishwasher which is referred to now a days as a dishwasher drawer. The ad to the right is from 1961 touting the energy savings and ability to place the smaller dishwasher under or over the counter.

The current dishwasher drawer is available from several manufacturers such as the one on the right. Ads sure look different from 1961 to 2009. But the concept is the same.

Equal plans for all

2009-09-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

I feel that if the legislature wants to force a Health plan on us that they should be willing to have the exact same plan we would be under. As it stands our leaders have separate and better retirement and health care packages then us regular people. I applaud Congressman John Fleming ( Louisiana physician) who has proposed an amendment that would require congressmen and senators to take the same healthcare plan they force on us (under proposed legislation they are curiously exempt). Congressman Fleming is encouraging people to go on his Website and sign his petition (very simple -just first, last and email). I have immediately done just that at: http://fleming.house.gov/ Please urge as many people as you can to do the same! If Congress forces a Health plan on the American people, the Congressmen should have to accept the same level of health care for themselves and their families.