Maturity and Design Considerations

According to the 2011 Canadian Census- nearly 15% of Canadians are now 65 or older, that number is expected to climb to 20% by 2031..to my mind that calls for wise ergonomic design for the aging "Boomer" generation.  Single story dwellings with "no -step" or fewer steps as possible are the way to go where possible, laundry on main floor, wider doorways, ease of access to things in closets and kitchens--shelves not too low or not too high, dishwashers that are elevated (something i always incorporate where possible into my kitchen designs, switches that are 'rocker' style like the "Decora" large light toggle switches, good and or more lighting (eyesight diminishes with age- along with a host of other things), wide hallways, levered doorknobs vs round doorknobs, higher plugs that standard (not needing to bend over) to plug things in, pull out drawers--and pull out everything--  are just some essential design considerations that come to my mind.   Its essential that our homes become "smarter", better designed, easier to work, live and utilize as we age.  Stats indicate that 89% of people over 50 years of age wish to stay in their homes indefinitely and 68% of remodelers incorporate "aging in place" remodeling upgrades.  If some or all of these features can be accommodated within a dwelling you are also ensuring a better re-sale value.