(NAPSA)—Don’t expect rocking chairs when the Rock ’n’ Roll generation retires. The people who cameof age in the ’60s continue to reinvent culture as they approach their ownsixties. These Baby Boomerswill redefine retirement. “Following the sun” may be the conventional image of the sunset years but 89 percent of Americans aged 55 and older say they want to remain in their homes when they retire, according to the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). What’s more, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says older Americans will work in record-setting numbersover the next decade. “More than ever, Americans seek to build on family and community ties in their later years by staying close to relatives and by keeping active in the business world,” says home furnishings expert Susan Dountas of Sauder. “They’re rethinkingtheir living spacesto cre- ate their own retirement havens right at home.” She suggests several ways to redesign the homefront. Transform formal rooms into relaxed retirement retreats with kid-friendly spaces. Start with a welcoming light color scheme and add traditional elements such as cottage or country furnishings, for a sense of warmth and connectedness. For example, Sauder’s Harbor View collection is reminiscent of a vacation home, with antiqued white finish, panel doors and louvers. For those whofavor darkfinishes, the company’s Colonycollection boasts the laid-back look of louver doorsin a teak finish. Choose low maintenance, skid- free flooring, easy-care fabric covers and washable furniture finishes. A storage cubby adds organizing ease and provides space for young guests to stow outdoor gear and sports equipment. Today’s “retirees” outfit their homes for upbeat, active lives revolving aroundfamily, friends, work and fun. “Adding a ground floor bedroom can enhance safety and con- venience,” notes Dountas. Retirees can incorporate many favorite elements into home decor. An oversized window can fill the room with light and make the most of a view. The generousstorage of Sauder’s Mission bedroom designs can make life easier. Repositioning outlets and switches or adding shower and bath “grips” can bring greater comfort andsecurity. A guest room can encourage visits from family and friends. Choose furnishings that accommodate children and adults. For example, the Harbor View bedroom suite, can be customized for any age with a quick change of accessories. Put out favorite stuffed animals and games for the grandchildren. Tuck away the toys for a grown-up guest room. Incorporate all-purpose guest room amenities, such as readinglights, books and frequently forgotten toiletries. Create a home office/home entertainment center. “Mature adults can maintain their profes- sional lives in the same space where they enjoy time with friends and grandchildren,” Dountas says. Sauder’s Cottage Home computer desk with hutch provides a keyboard shelf with wrist rest, ample drawer space and storage compartments including a vertical CD rack. “Adding furniture for largescale TVs and other recreationminded componentscreates a wellrounded, multi-purpose room,” Dountas notes. The Cottage Home entertainment center is attuned to technological requirements yet offers rustic good looks. “As retiring becomes an active verb, Boomers are reshaping the home front along with conventional wisdom about later life,” Dountas concludes.
