————— any = Life-Span HomesDesigned To Meet The Needs Of Aging Americans (NAPSA)—Each year, as more Americans enter the 55+ age seg- ment, they are quickly realizing the need for a home that will allow them to live comfortably as they age, without the concern that they may need to move astheyget older. It is for this reason a growing number of builders have begun creating whatare called “life-span design homes.” The concept, also often referred to as universal design, calls for the home’s exterior and interior features to be constructed to allow easy, nonrestrictive access to the home. Aging in place is not the only housing concern of those over 55. Since many are on a fixed income, they often look for homes that are affordable, accessible, comfortable and require very little maintenance. One manufactured and modular home builder says it has found the right mix of value, low-main- tenance craftsmanship and lifespan design features. Champion Enterprises recently introduced its “Generations” life-span design homeat the AARP Life@50+ expo. “We feel that our approach will provide aging baby boomers with a home that is comfortable, safe, well built and, most importantly, affordable,” said Grover Tarlton, vice president of marketing for Champion Enterprises. The first Generations model is a 1,575-square-foot, single-story homefeaturing life-span design features such as counters at varying heights to accommodateall membersof the family, a comfort- A new home design offers lifespan features that let older homeowners age comfortably in place. height built-in oven and elevated dishwasher to reduce the need for bending, 36-inch-wide doors with lever-set handles, and 44-inchwide halls. Plumbing features include single-lever faucets for ease of use, a spacious no-threshold shower with adjustable showerhead, and raised “comfortheight” elongated toilets with 18 inches of space on each side to allow for future wheelchair accessibility if needed. The home was designed in partnership with Laurence Weinstein, AARP’s National Housing Pavilion Consultant and president of Shared Solutions America, a nonprofit organization focused on life-span design. “Having a comfortable, functional and safe place to live is a critical factor in determining one’s quality of life and sense of security,” said Weinstein. “For many, the life-span design features of Champion’s Generations home could be the difference between just living andliving comfortably.”
