life is a process and so is creating a home with character, a connection to its environment, and the ability to bring a feeling of comfort to those that experience it…
I wrote those words for an article for Nordic Reach magazine in spring of 2005 but they came to my mind last night as I attended a presentation put on by the Goldstein Museum of Design at the University of Minnesota.
The presentation introduced us to an interactive exhibition that features design and technology to help facilitate living independently as we age into our senior years. The year 2011 marks the first year that the 70 million ‘Baby Boomers’ (born between 1946 and 1964) will reach age 65. The exhibit takes the visitor on a short guided tour of a ‘Baby Boomer’ couple who have the intention to live as long as possible in their own home, a desire of many in that generation.
What I found interesting about the exhibit was that so many of the features would also be very helpful at any point in our lives when injury, surgery and recovery occur. This unfortunate reality takes place in many of our lives and to have a home that is equipped to embrace these situations when they may take place can bring a great deal of relief and comfort.
As an interior designer, I believe our homes should be the one place we can really be at ease and relaxed; escaping the rush and public nature of the outside world. By keeping an eye to the future, as we plan our homes, this can help make our journey an easier transition as we get older.
So the next time you consider an improvement to your home, stop and think for a moment how the change will affect you not only in the short term, but as time goes on and your situation changes…food for thought.
The exhibit is open until May 22, please click here for more details.
