NAHB Research Center Commemorates 40 Years in the Home Building Industry by Hosting Housing Technology Fair On August 17, 2004, the NAHB Research Center celebrated its 40 years of advances in home building research and technology by hosting a Housing Technology Fair. The technology fair included tours, exhibits and presentations. About 120 visitors representing government, private industry, home builder associations, and local universities traveled to the Research Center's Upper Marlboro, Md. campus for the technology fair. Fair visitors had the opportunity to tour the LifeWise Home, a demonstration project that features products and design techniques that facilitate aging in place. The home was built to be energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and accessible for older and/or disabled homeowners who may be in a wheelchair, use a walker, or may have a physical limitation that impairs mobility. Tours of the Research Center's specialized material and structural systems testing laboratory, which conducts contract research testing activities and certification programs, included demonstrations of various product testing methods. Exhibits included the Housing Research Hall of History, which includes information and images pulled from some of the NAHB Research Center's reports from the past 40 years; a technology gallery that demonstrated the NAHB Research Center's ongoing interaction with manufacturers and its commitment to improving home building through product testing and certification; and an "EnergyValue Through the Years" exhibit, which detailed the advances in energy-efficient building products and practices made throughout the years, with real examples from winners of the EnergyValue Housing Award program. For more information on the Housing Technology Fair, contact Anne Holtz, director of communications, at aholtz@nahbrc.org or (800) 638-8556, ext. 6211. back to top American Seniors Housing Association Releases Fair Housing Compliance Guide The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) recently released its Fair Housing Compliance: A Guide for Seniors Housing report, which updates several earlier fair housing guides published by ASHA beginning in the early 1990s. The 20-page report covers federal statutory, regulatory, and case law dealing with discrimination on the basis of age, health care status/disability, religion, income and race. It identifies and discusses typical operational situations for seniors housing communities, such as advertising, screening and admission of residents and access of residents to facilities. According to David Schless, ASHA president, "The Fair Housing Compliance Guide is an extremely important resource for professionals working in seniors housing because many of these laws contain few details specifying the boundaries of appropriate conduct." ASHA provides leadership for the seniors housing industry on legislative and regulatory matters in addition to advancing research, education and the exchange of strategic business information, and promoting the merits of seniors housing. To learn more about ASHA or to purchase a copy of Fair Housing Compliance: A Guide for Seniors Housing, visit ASHA's website at http://www.seniorshousing.org. back to top Lab Evaluates New Smart Home Technologies A recent article in Electronics Weekly (Melanie Reynolds; July 29, 2004) highlights new technologies currently being tested by the Center for Usable Home Technology (CUHTec) that aim to allow disabled and older people to live more independently. CUHTec, a home technologies research center created by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the University of York in the U.K., has established a house with a behind-the-scenes research lab where people can be observed using various technologies. One of the more notable devices is a refrigerator that scans its contents and can suggest recipes and print out shopping lists. Although the refrigerator currently responds to inputs from a touch screen, it could soon respond to spoken commands. Other equipment under trial at the house includes an audio photo desk that can view pictures and play associated sounds. CUHTec is currently seeking research partners and funding to extend its trials of home technology for the elderly and disabled. For more information, read the complete article, available at http://www.reed-electronics.com/electronicnews/article/CA439514?spacedesc=news, or visit the CUHTec website at http://www.cuhtec.org.uk/. back to top Kitchen Remodeling that Accommodates Changing Needs Driving Construction Trends Aging baby boomers across the country are increasingly calling for kitchens that are functional as well as beautiful. According to an article in the Denver Post (Chryss Cada; July 25, 2004), a recent survey of national designers by Wilsonart Limited, a national flooring and countertop company, found several kitchen remodeling requests that boomers have in common, including wanting better lighting to accommodate changing eyesight, ergonomically-correct appliances and countertops to protect their backs from painful bending, and low-maintenance materials to reduce cleanup time. Other common requests include floor surfaces that are more supportive than stone and ceramic and kid-friendly touches for the grandchildren, such as microwaves that are below-counter height. "As the boomers reach age 50 and beyond in the next 10 years, they will be the only segment (of the population) that is growing," said advertising executive Matt Thornhill, whose "Boomer Project" researches boomers' needs from a marketing perspective. "If you're only building houses for 20- to 45-year-olds, you're going to be missing out." Thornhill added that the traditional marketing approach - to "ignore anyone over 50 because they were already brand-loyal and didn't spend money anyway," does not work for boomers. "They like to try new things, and they're willing to spend money to do it," he said. According to a survey conducted by the AARP, aging boomers say they want to stay in their homes as they age, yet many would consider moving to a new house with enhanced features that helped them live comfortably, safely and independently. To learn more, read the complete article, available on the HousingZone.com website at http://www.housingzone.com/news2.asp?topicId=14477&docId=l:220415478. back to top Homes That Make House Calls According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researcher Kent Larson, architect and director of the MIT Home of the Future, smart homes that monitor the health of their occupants may become a reality over the next few years. Such homes could also include features such as large numbers on appliances for sight-impaired homeowners, easy-to-turn knobs and handles for those with arthritis, and accessible storage spaces in addition to sensors that measure the homeowner's pulse and other vital signs. Devices may also eventually monitor activities, such as television use, and urge homeowners to exercise instead. Smart home technologies are gaining popularity as electronics manufacturers look to build innovative products and the health-care industry grapples with escalating costs. The high-tech homes may find more success as builders are increasingly shifting toward customized house designs that meet the needs of their owners. For more information, read the complete interview with Larson in Business Week (Olga Kharif; 07/08/04) at http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jul2004/tc2004077_7519_tc_171.htm. back to top Call for Entries: 2005 Best of Seniors Housing Awards The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Seniors Housing Council recently announced the call for entries for its 2005 Best of Seniors Housing Awards competition. Now in its 12th year, the awards program recognizes architectural and interior designs and marketing approaches that have brought quality, innovation and spirit to the seniors housing industry, while also looking ahead to the future. The awards program is open to project owners, builders, developers, architects, remodelers, operators, interior designers and merchandisers, land planners and marketing/advertising firms that serve the burgeoning 55+ market. Design categories include active adult housing, continuing care retirement community, congregate care community, assisted living, mixed-use, multifamily, renovated seniors housing, special needs housing and aging-in-place. New this year is a marketing component to reward companies for their success in marketing to older consumers. Platinum, gold and silver awards winners will be announced at a gala multimedia awards presentation at the 61st Annual NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS), January 13-16, 2005, in Orlando, Fla. Award-winning projects will also be exhibited prominently at the IBS, displayed on the NAHB website and featured in the NAHB Seniors Housing Council's industry magazine, Seniors' Housing News. The deadline for entries is Oct. 22, 2004. To review the call for entries, including an entry application, rules and a complete list of categories, visit the NAHB website at http://www.nahb.org/seniorshousingawards, or call (800) 368-5242, ext. 8220 for more details. back to top Life@50+: National AARP Event October 14-16 in Las Vegas, Nev. AARP recently announced its national event, Life@50+, which includes entertainment, exhibits, seminars and sessions. Celebrity presenters include Maya Angelou, Coretta Scott-King, Jerry Lewis and Dave Barry. Interactive exhibits include the AARP Pavilion, new and future technologies, travel and leisure destinations, and a host of other products and services. Life@50+ is open to members, friends and family, and will take place October 14-16, 2004, in the Sands Expo Convention Center, in Las Vegas, Nev. Registration and hotel reservations can be made online or via telephone, fax or mail. Call 800-883-2784 or visit http://www.aarp.org/events/Articles/a2003-09-08-vivavegas.html for more information. back to top British Computer Society Finalists Include Monitoring System for Elderly Residents The finalists in this year's British Computer Society (BCS) IT Professional Awards, run in association with Computer Weekly, include technologies in a variety of areas, including helping elderly people live more independently. One of the thirteen finalists that have emerged in the Technology section is a monitoring and communication system, developed by BT Exact and Liverpool Direct, which can be installed in elderly people's homes. The systems use unobtrusive sensors to monitor movement around the home. If it detects a problem - such as a burner left on or lack of movement at a time of day when the resident is usually active - the system can send an alert, first to the resident, then to a neighbor or relative if there is no response. The developers are currently working with the Liverpool City Council to install the systems in homes occupied by elderly residents. To read the complete article (John Kavanagh; August 10, 2004), visit the ComputerWeekly.com website at http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/ back to top Rapid-Fire Phone Calls to Aid Searches A recent article in the Saginaw (Mich.) News (LaNia Coleman; August 9, 2004) highlights a new technology that uses high-speed telephone technology to notify residents when children, the elderly or other vulnerable people are missing in their area. The A Child is Missing Foundation uses the "rapid-response neighborhood notification" technology, which uses zip codes and global positioning satellite equipment, to place up to 1,000 calls in less than one minute after receiving information on a missing or vulnerable person. The automated system calls all listed telephone numbers, including business numbers, within a radius specified by the police agency making the report. The system expands the radius if the missing person is not found. A Child Is Missing, founded in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1997, is available in 11 states. The nonprofit foundation is funded by grants and private donations, and is available at no charge to participating counties. The foundation has already helped locate 60 missing people. To learn more, read the complete article, available at http://www.mlive.com/news/sanews/index.ssf?/base/news-1/109206132966740.xml. back to top Devices Spur Move to Home-Based Care The Business Journal of Portland (Robin J. Moody; August 8, 2004) recently reported on the trend of home-based health care, envisioned by many as part of a future that will meet the demand of the aging baby boomer generation. Although the current health care system will not be able to manage the growing demand, the home-based care model raises questions about privacy, liability and who will pay for services. Numerous companies have noticed the trend toward home-based monitoring and delivery of health care, and are creating the technology to make it a reality. Examples include noninvasive medical monitoring devices, home-sized dialysis units and radio links and body sensors that connect patients and caregivers. Although some of these devices may create additional work for clinic staff at first, they can help patients who live in remote areas and elderly patients who have trouble getting to the doctor. The new technologies also result in new marketing strategies. Some self-monitoring devices are already sold over-the-counter for consumers, and the advent of health savings accounts could help finance consumer device sales. Disease management companies, which contract with health plans or employers to provide a system of coordinated care for a patient population with or at risk for chronic illness, are also a natural target for sales of such devices. To learn more, read the complete article at http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2004/08/09/story1.html. back to top White House Conference on Aging October 23-26, 2005 The Policy Committee for the 2005 Conference White House Conference on Aging recently announced the first White House Conference on Aging of the 21st Century, which will be held October 23 - 26, 2005 in Washington, DC. The Policy Committee, required by the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000, is responsible for the planning and implementation of the 2005 Conference. The Committee will meet regularly to make decisions on theme, delegate selection, pre-conference events, topic areas and the general direction of the Conference. More information about the Conference, including a list of Policy Committee members appointed for the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, is available on - Click to view the file pdf . back to top NCOA Highlights Physical Activity Best Practices The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) recently published "Best Practices in Physical Activity," a brochure that that highlights the top ten best practice programs in physical activity for older adults. The programs were selected in NCOA's 2003 Excellence in Physical Activity Programming for Older Adults, an initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Each applicant had to serve a large population of older adults, have a history of physical activity programming, and collect and evaluate outcomes data. This brochure is designed for professionals and provides information about developing, implementing and sustaining successful community-based programs. The brochure is available online - Click to view the report pdf. back to top Older Americans 2004: Key Indicators of Well-Being Report This fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will release an updated and expanded report on important indicators for the well-being of older adults. The report, "Older Americans 2004: Key Indicators of Well-Being," provides data on several important areas in the lives of older people-population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors and health care. Those interested may sign up to receive a copy of the report when it is released by visiting the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics' website, http://www.agingstats.gov. For more information about Older Americans 2004 or the Forum, contact Kristen Robinson by e-mail at kgr4@cdc.gov or by phone at (301) 458-4460. back to top Exercise Benefits All Ages, Yet Seniors May Miss the Message Despite the well-publicized health benefits of regular exercise, few seniors participate in an active lifestyle, according to a recent article published by HealthDay (Kathleen Doheny; August 9, 2004). In a government survey conducted earlier this year, only 11 percent of people aged 65 or older said they engaged in strength training two or more days each week, the recommended level to improve overall health and fitness. And only about 6 percent of the respondents met the national objectives for engaging in both physical activity and strength training, according to the survey, published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet according to experts, even minimal efforts at getting more physical activity offer big payoffs. Starting at age 50, people begin to lose 12 percent of their muscle strength and 6 percent of their muscle mass every decade. But two to three months of weight training three times a week can increase muscle strength and mass by one-third, making up for three decades of loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, according to University of Maryland kinesiologist Ben Hurley. Experts also agree that it is never too late to begin exercising, although anyone resuming or starting an exercise program should first get a doctor's approval. To learn more, read the complete article, available at http://www.indystar.com/. back to top Agency Tries to Shrink Seniors' Shopping Woes A recent Associated Press article (John Seewer; August 9, 2004) reveals how the Area Office on Aging of Northwest Ohio is encouraging local businesses to make small changes that can make a big difference to older shoppers - including providing wider aisles, benches near pharmacies and easy-to-reach canned goods and easy-to-read prices. The Office is one of eleven government agencies in cities nationwide that checks businesses and public places and advises them how to remove the obstacles that older people face. Volunteers for the Office act as secret shoppers of sorts, scanning local stores to make sure that they are "elder friendly." The Elder Friendly program began in Portland, Ore., in 1995. Since then, 190 businesses in the area ranging from auto repair shops to funeral homes have been deemed accessible and accommodating to older adults. Secret shoppers visit stores at different times of the day, and fill out a 13-page evaluation, noting such things as whether the stores had consistent lighting and a helpful staff. After the evaluators have finished looking through a business, they meet with store managers to suggest improvements. The program is not meant to be punitive, and changes are generally good for all customers. According to Becky Wehrli, executive director of Portland's Elders in Action, "Mothers with young babies want wide aisles and easy access to restrooms, too." To learn more, read the complete article, available online at http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/9355160.htm. back to top | 
