Universal Design is good design, and when we design for those with impediments and disabilities, everyone else also benefit. And, as you note, everyone has had to (or soon will) endure the indignities of being not-fully able, even if only as a healthy child.
The design and construction industry has made great strides towards this over the past few decades, but it is not a completed project, and much of work is dependent on continuing diligence by designers, code officials and building inspectors, and the contractors who do the actual construction.
I have twice fallen on icy sloped sections of sidewalks from curbcuts and driveways. On a 5' sidewalk there is generally only a 2' section flat enough to be sure of, so often Bob and I are walking single file along it. I will be writing to the City to ask for a change in the detail, cars can climb a shorter ramp, and the bump would ensure that cars slow before crossing a sidewalk.
One of my cousins, 84, died last year in a similar fall - grey granite steps leaving a concert venue, rainy day, lack of handrails ... slipped, hit the back of his head, died the next day from a brain bleed. Completely avoidable.
You’re absolutely right that the Baby Boom is fast becoming an Old Bust, and urban design needs to catch up.
Universal Design is good design, and when we design for those with impediments and disabilities, everyone else also benefit. And, as you note, everyone has had to (or soon will) endure the indignities of being not-fully able, even if only as a healthy child.
The design and construction industry has made great strides towards this over the past few decades, but it is not a completed project, and much of work is dependent on continuing diligence by designers, code officials and building inspectors, and the contractors who do the actual construction.
I would commend the work of the Institute for Human Centered Design to everyone: https://www.humancentereddesign.org/
I have twice fallen on icy sloped sections of sidewalks from curbcuts and driveways. On a 5' sidewalk there is generally only a 2' section flat enough to be sure of, so often Bob and I are walking single file along it. I will be writing to the City to ask for a change in the detail, cars can climb a shorter ramp, and the bump would ensure that cars slow before crossing a sidewalk.
Great piece. Such a damn shame about your Mom.
One of my cousins, 84, died last year in a similar fall - grey granite steps leaving a concert venue, rainy day, lack of handrails ... slipped, hit the back of his head, died the next day from a brain bleed. Completely avoidable.
You’re absolutely right that the Baby Boom is fast becoming an Old Bust, and urban design needs to catch up.