Baby boomers are building their dream homes and planning to stay in them to the end. They’re raising the bar, setting new standards as they mature. So perceptions are shifting, especially the notion that they, themselves, are getting older. And with that shift, Universal Design, design that’s accessible by virtually everyone, is now in the spotlight—but in a brand new way. UD’s gone through a big evolution, from function over form to fresh and fantastic.

Article includes product list...

Universal design is getting popular for two reasons......

http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/a2004-03-23-whatis_univdesign.html

AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) created a
joint awards program-the Livable Communities Awards for Builders,
Remodelers, and Developers-to recognize forward-looking companies that
have constructed creative and unique homes and communities with
accessible features that improve the daily comfort, ease of use, and
safety, of all their residents, no matter what their ages or physical
abilities. We introduce our five winners with just one word: Bravo!

http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/universaldesign/design_for_livi...

"The Morrisons are not alone in their desire to remain in their own
home as they age; she's 62, he's 63. According to a survey conducted by
the AARP, 89 percent of people older than 50 wish to remain at home,
rather than move to other housing options.

With the nationwide trend of aging in place gaining momentum, the concept of "universal design" has gone mainstream...."

http://timesunion.com/ASPStories/Story.asp?StoryID=697847&LinkFrom=RSS

As Oscar Wilde lay dying in a Paris hotel, he is reputed to have looked at the wallpaper and said: 'One of us has to go'. By Design looks at what happens when you find yourself subtlety getting older and less able to take control of the world around you: less able to make decisions about how a room should be furnished, what colour carpet you might want, or what plants you might like at your door. We look at the world of design and aesthetics with an eye on what's available when you get old.

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bydesign/stories/2008/2243112.htm

"The main reason to have good lighting is to decrease the risk of
falls. In order for any person to be independent, they need to be as
functional as possible,'' said Dr. Cynthia Napier Rosenberg, executive
director of senior health services and the chief of geriatrics at West
Penn Hospital, Bloomfield...

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2002/09/16/focus3.html

When Gill Hicks left for work on 7 July 2005, her life was to change forever. Horrifically injured in the London tube bombings, she spent weeks in hospital and had to make some dramatic changes - not least to the redesign of her home. Dominic Lutyens reveals how she created a practical living space without sacrificing style

http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/homes/story/0,,2101314,00.html 

 "I am in the early stages of designing the landscape for my new home, the Universal Design Living Laboratory.
This home and garden will be open for tours to the public when it is
completed, estimated to be spring 2009. My husband and I purchased a
1.5-acre treeless lot and will be building a 3,500 sq. ft. national
demonstration home on it soon. The rest of the property will be
designed for outdoor living and scenic views from inside the home, as
well as from the patio area."

Builders, architects and other housing professionals volunteered their design knowledge and expertise to retrofit the turn-of-the-century shotgun home with universal design and green features. When completed this summer, the home will include a no-step entrance, wider doorways, ADA-compliant grab bars, raised countertops, comfort-height toilets, ENERGY STAR appliances and other energy-efficient features.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/nahb-senior-lending-network-work...

Developments in universal design are making it easier than ever to build a home where accessible features are invisible, affordable and even beautiful. The key word is "easier," not easy. Great tools are out there, but your local builder is not likely to have them in the back of his pickup. Don't give up, get busy.

http://www.visualizerset.com/visualizer-article.htm