American International Journal of Social Science

An Entrance for Healthful Living and Aging in Place
Michele Granger, Nancy Asay

Abstract
This paper purports to increase an awareness in universal design as it applies to aging in place and improving quality of life by providing illustrations of modified entrances for existing homes. The resulting designs are intended to improve the lifestyles of the homeowners, allow them to remain in their residences, and increase the value of their homes. All of the redesigned entrances have four common characteristics: a covered pathway without steps, effective lighting, raised gardens, and seating. Aging in place is a growing trend in home design as the number of people nearing the senior stage of life accelerates. Sixty-five appears to be the magic number. Leibrock and Terry state, “It is estimated that there will be over 65 million Americans over the age of 65 by 2030” (1999). Universal design can support successful aging in place through designs that compliment capabilities. Carr et al state that successful aging is defined to include (1) a low probability of disease and disease-related disability, (2) a high level of physical and cognitive functioning, and (3) an active engagement in life (2013).Recently, the Environmental Standards Council of the Center for Health Design added “access to nature” as a key element of physical environments (2014). Access to nature improves concentration, reduces stress, restores attentional fatigue, improves positive affect, and heightens emotional well-being (Kaplan, 2005).In the implementation stage, the entrances of seven homes of varying styles and ages are redesigned to have (1) a covered entry, (2) a no-step surface, (3) ambient and safe lighting, and (4) a raised garden for access to nature. The results provide ways of implementing a healthful environment that can positively impact one’s quality of life while supporting aging in place. As Nick Buettner, keynote speaker for the Environment for Aging Conference, states, “Staying young and living long is mostly a function of your environment” (2014).

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