Boomers Not Considering Health And Aging As They Plan To Remodel, The Hartford Study Finds
June 10 2015 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
Joint study with University of Southern California explores
Boomers’ interest in universal design for home renovation
projects
While 40 percent of Boomers expect to remodel their homes
sometime in the future, few do so with their own health and aging
in mind, according to a new study from The Hartford and the
University of Southern California (USC).
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Bathroom: before (Photo: Kerrie
Kelly)
When planning to remodel, Boomers indicated they will focus
primarily on updating “dated” rooms – kitchens and bathrooms top
the list – and making their homes more attractive, with only 21
percent considering their own health and aging. But Jodi Olshevski,
gerontologist and executive director of The Hartford Center for
Mature Market Excellence®, advises that people can do both with
universal design – an approach to design that’s easy for everyone
to use, regardless of age, size, or ability.
“Often referred to as ‘livable design,’ universal design is
visually attractive,” said Olshevski. “If Boomers are willing to
incorporate livable design when they remodel, they’ll enjoy
immediate benefits – as will small children or older relatives who
visit – and find their homes easier to live in as they age.”
In fact, when Boomers were shown photos of livable design
features for the kitchen, many respondents agreed they would
consider the following:
- Pullout drawers in base cabinets
(75%)
- Lighting from multiple sources
(61%)
- Level thresholds between kitchen and
adjacent rooms (61%)
- D- or U-shaped handles, rather than
knobs (59%)
- Countertops at different heights
(42%)
Kerrie Kelly, an award-winning interior designer who
incorporates livable design into her work, says her clients are
starting to express more interest in these types of features.
“Livable design is contemporary and stylish and my clients love the
open, flexible living space,” she said. “It works for everybody,
and universal design elements are increasingly common in new home
construction.”
In The Hartford and USC study, when Boomers were shown photos of
universal design ideas for the bathroom, the most common features
in which they expressed interest include:
- Single lever faucet handle (56%)
- Comfort height toilet (56%)
- Grab bars in tub and shower (53%)
- Adjustable-height, hand-held shower
hose (49%)
- Walk-in shower with little or no
threshold (47%)
Olshevski noted that these findings are consistent with previous
research from The Hartford and the USC Davis School of Gerontology
that studied the impact of universal design education on customer
repair decisions following a homeowners’ insurance claim.
“While most of us remain healthy and active as we age, we may
still experience changes in strength, flexibility, balance and
reach,” said Olshevski. “Universal design makes it easier to adjust
to these changes and live comfortably and safely at home for a
lifetime.”
As part of its commitment to helping Boomers make their house a
home for a lifetime, The Hartford developed several resources for
livable design ideas including a free guide, “Remodeling Today for
a Better Tomorrow,” and an interactive home universal design quiz.
These resources and more are available at
www.thehartfordmile.com/remodel.
Methodology
The Hartford and the USC Davis School of Gerontology conducted
an online survey fielded by TNS from April 23 through 26, 2015. The
survey was completed by 1,096 adults between the ages of 51 and 69
(Boomers) and is representative of the U.S. household
population.
About The Hartford
With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG)
is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and
mutual funds. The company is widely recognized for its service
excellence, sustainability practices, trust and integrity. More
information on the company and its financial performance is
available at www.thehartford.com. Join us on Facebook at
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www.twitter.com/TheHartford.
About The Hartford Center for Mature Market
Excellence
The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence creates
innovative business solutions for the mature market. Staffed by
gerontologists, the center is uniquely positioned to apply
knowledge of aging to develop one-of-a-kind products and services
for The Hartford's customers, and specialized training for The
Hartford's employees. The center conducts original research in
partnership with academic institutions and produces public
education programs on safety, mobility and independence. The
Hartford has had this in-house expertise since 1984, guiding The
Hartford to unparalleled success in understanding and serving the
mature market.
About University of Southern California Leonard Davis School
of Gerontology
The mission of the University of Southern California Leonard
Davis School of Gerontology is to improve the lives of older
persons through education and research. It houses research centers
including the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, which
offers resources for consumers, as well as an online Executive
Certificate in Home Modification Program for
professionals. For more information,
visit www.stopfalls.org and www.homemods.org.
HIG-N
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The HartfordJulia Zweig,
860-547-5355Julia.Zweig@TheHartford.comorMM2 Public
RelationsAnnette Rogers, 214-379-3705Annette.Rogers@mm2pr.com
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