Perceptions of Terminology Associated with Aging in Place

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify terminology used by interior designers to describe issues relating to aging in place. A focus group of six college professors discussed 11 common terms and recommended further clarification of the following six terms: transgenerational design, universal design, accessible design, inclusive design, and lifespan/lifecycle design. A focus group consensus was that ADA-compliant design, designing for special needs, designing for seniors, designing for handicapped, and barrier-free design be eliminated from common usage due to negative connotations.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carole Miller

Carole Miller is Instructor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Margot A. Olson is Associate Professor, Department of Technology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.

Margot A. Olson

Carole Miller is Instructor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Margot A. Olson is Associate Professor, Department of Technology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.