EDITORIAL Good lessons about 'aging in place'

Jul. 8, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Last month, a one-story house at 4825 Spruce St., Schnecksville was auctioned. The property wasn't in any kind of distress, often the case when homes are sold at auction. In fact, the transaction was a happy thing, and worthy of some note.

The house, built by Lehigh Carbon Technical Institute students, sold for $344,000, about $100,000 above the average in the Lehigh Valley. It stands out because it uses an "age in place," or universal design. "Age in place" homes are a timely idea because 15 percent of the Lehigh Valley's population is over the age of 65. It is full of features included with the elderly and handicapped in mind.

These homes have no steps (minus steps to the basement) and other amenities. Cabinets are lower than the conventional height, there are extra-wide halls and doorways and lever handles replace hard-to-grip knobs on all doors. There is slip-resistant flooring in the bathroom and a shower area that accommodates wheelchairs and other devices. There are no sills -- another wheelchair and walker obstacle -- on entry doors.

The house was built by more than 300 LCTI students in a project supported by the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging and the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. This home was the 30th home built by the students of LCTI. Mark Molchany, president of the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors, said more homes are using universal design. According to a survey by AARP, 83 percent of older Americans would like to stay in their homes. However, other studies show that many of the homes of older Americans do not meet the needs of older people. Thus, "age in place" homes. One other plus: Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that "age in place" homes may prevent 30 percent to 50 percent of home accidents among seniors.

While the housing market here already is crowded with homes, "age in place" homes may sell fast. Builders and contractors should see this as an opportunity for themselves and for an aging population. One final note: By having students build this type of house, LCTI is teaching not just trade skills. It is teaching a lesson about the older population that will serve them well throughout their careers.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0001-26509211