“universal design”

Window Treatments That Make Sense … and Are Pretty Too!

Posted on 04/18/2012 by | Rosemary In the House | Comments

Home & FamilyIt’s cherry blossom time in New York and, besides gardening, I’ve become obsessed with window coverings. Spring brings the promise of guests and the brilliance of the summer sun and, quite frankly, I’m not prepared for either. I’ve removed the former owner’s black out shades in the guest room, but haven’t gotten around to replacing them. It feels bare. Not exactly the feeling you’re after in a guest bedroom, is it? The master bedroom, which looks out over the wetlands, needs new window coverings …

Making an Entrance

Posted on 04/5/2012 by | Rosemary In the House | Comments

Home & FamilyDoors are opening for all of us in the world of home design. Never before have we had such a range of choices in home goods and new designs to help us age more gracefully in our own homes. But deciding what projects to tackle can be daunting, especially when money is tight. Believe me, I know. I bought my first home six months ago, and my list of things to do grows longer every day. Like you, I long …

Steve Jobs: Designing for All of Us

Posted on 10/6/2011 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

Legacy | TechnologyWhat has Steve wrought? Here at AARP, we’ll remember him because of the far-away grandchildren and kids we used iChat to talk to. We’ll remember Steve because of the Apple Extended Keyboard, whose wide, broad keys made typing a pleasure, especially for those with arthritis. We’ll remember Steve’s Apple for its VoiceOver technology – when it came out in 2005, it was the first screenreading technology that was baked into an operating system. It was just there – part of …

“Empty Nest” can just mean a “New Nest”

Posted on 04/20/2010 by | AARP Blog Author | Comments

Home & FamilyEveryone knows about “empty nest syndrome.” People warn those whose children quickly grow up and head out on their own that there will be a feeling of loneliness around the nest – and that may very well be true for some, but this great article in the Chicago Tribune takes a different look at the empty nest – and I like this point of view! The article profiles a couple who took the opportunity to redesign their home when their …

"Empty Nest" can just mean a "New Nest"

Posted on 04/20/2010 by | Archived Contributor | Comments

Home & FamilyEveryone knows about “empty nest syndrome.” People warn those whose children quickly grow up and head out on their own that there will be a feeling of loneliness around the nest – and that may very well be true for some, but this great article in the Chicago Tribune takes a different look at the empty nest – and I like this point of view! The article profiles a couple who took the opportunity to redesign their home when their …

Design Meets Livability in 2009 Livable Communities Award-Winning Homes!

Posted on 01/19/2010 by | Archived Contributor | Comments

Home & FamilyToday, AARP and the National Association of Homebuilders recognized four companies in four categories (architect, developer, builder greater than 2500 square feet, and builder 2500 square feet and below) by awarding them the 2009 Livable Communities Awards. This year’s awards boast unique combinations of distinction and convenience – highlighting universal design and energy efficiency – making them homes in which people of all ages can live comfortably. Check out full descriptions and photos of award-winning structures here…and check out the …

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