Aging gracefully is a multi-billion dollar business. Americans are continuously seeking anti-aging remedies to preserve their external and internal youth. As the baby boomer generation ages, spending to preserve their accustomed style of living is transferring to their homes as well.
Homeowners want to stay put. They have invested lots of money in their homes which have become a sanctuary in these times when vacations to high-end resorts are being postponed to a time of better economic conditions. Instead, many are choosing to make their homes more comfortable right now and for their future long-term stay. In the home remodeling industry it’s known as aging in place and it is becoming a significant source of work for some remodelers.
“The baby boomer generation elected to make themselves as comfortable as possible. So they put money into their homes,” says Steve Walton, Senior Design Consultant with Marrokal Design & Remodeling. “They have invested a lot of money into their homes and they don’t want to leave them—their home is their castle.”
Staying in their homes as long as possible is the goal, but as wheelchairs, walkers, and other signs of aging are needed, a transformation is required to keep modern comforts and allow for successful and safe mobility.
At Marrokal Design & Remodeling, Walton says it all begins with looking at the picture of the lifestyle that their clients want both now and in the future. “People who are middle-aged and younger are also opting to use products that are safer because they see the benefits. They are choosing to use tiles that have textures that prevent slippage. They’re looking for ways to make the home look aesthetically pleasing and assist them with moving comfortably into their later years,” says Walton.