Advocates always look for signs of progress in their passions. Google search results has quickly become the easiest yardstick. Universal Design was one of the my first searches. I have not been scientific in tracking the number, but I know there are more results now than when I first searched. You can even ask google to keep you in the know with their ‘alert’ features which sends an e-mail listing new items. It is a free ‘clipping service’.
Other, longer standing measures include media attention, business growth, research statistics, and maybe least scientific – general buzz. The most quoted number for Aging in Place is AARP’s Fixing to Stay study showing more than 80% of those over 45 want to remain in their own home as long as possible. Another measure is the number of NAHB CAPS (certified aging in place specialists). A business measure might be the number of calls a person offering aging in place education or services receives, or better yet- revenue.
Media coverage is a good measure. I was on the Kojo Nnamdi show talking about affordable and accessible housing and Universal Design a few weeks ago. More recently Jim Mueller, an industrial designer and Universal Design advocate I have known for years was on Kojo Nnamdi talking about Universal Design in a related context. Pretty easy to conclude the topic is growing popular.
Sometimes advocates need to interpret data. For example, studies like those from MetLife Mature Marketing Institute, National Alliance for Caregiving and others are focused on issues peripheral to Aging in Place so we extrapolate for our interest.
I am pretty excited about this new indicator. Aging in Place is the Oxford University Press runner up for Word of the Year. Is that significant? I think so. I first heard the term in 1993. From my antsy advocacy perspective it seems like a glacial pace. Those just learning the concept probably think things are moving fast. I like having this sign that more people are aware of the term and the idea it represents.
Language has a role in leading the way when important change occurs. Language change has been significant in my life. Two are the evolution from ‘colored’ and ‘negro’ to ‘black’ and ‘African American’ as well as ‘girl’ and ‘chick’ to ‘woman’. The presence it took to change my language resulted in a real change in my attitude and mindset. The societal changes associated with those words are very significant.
How about awareness of global warming? Is there anyone not paying attention as that term has become ubiquitous? If we think of it that way Aging in Place – the movement is in good and serious company. As I said, I am pretty excited.
Louis Tenenbaum, one of the nation's leading authorities on aging in place, is the founder of HomesRenewed, a coalition of business, consumers and nonprofits, driving policy and investment to increase the number of age-friendly homes.
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Louis, I share in your excitement about the term/concept of aging in place. Oxford University Press choosing “aging in place” as its runner up word of the year for 07 (how is that a word?) is a healthy indicator of a concept close to the tipping point (see Gladwell.com).
For aging in place to go viral and airborne, a Mavin like Oprah needs to mention it once and a social epidemic will be occur.
The high tech sector has seen the light as well. Intel (see: http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2006/02/13/story5.html)has invested substantial resources in aging in place technologies, and are only one of many companies to do so.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. And speaking of ice…
Wayne Gretzky said: “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.”
Aging in place is where the puck is going to be. You are savvy to position yourself to “play” for the future. You have reason to be excited.