Taiwan has entered an aging society. Reports indicate that in 2022, the number of elderly people living alone reached nearly 530,000, doubling over the past decade. As we enter an aging society, our community infrastructure and housing need to be upgraded simultaneously. Architects and interior designers should consider these details when planning new developments or public facilities to meet the future needs of residents.

       Kithen and Cabinet Association Union of Taiwan invited Ms. Connie Yang , the Chief Operating Officer of He Yi Life Co., Ltd., to deliver an insightful speech on "Universal Design: Home Storage for the Elderly" on April 9th. Chairman Mr.Jeff Chen  is particularly grateful to Director Yang for taking the time to provide the key points in the design of home storage for the elderly. After the lecture, a test will be conducted. Those who pass the test will be awarded the "Senior Living Space Storage Specialist" certificate. He also hopes that member manufacturers will not only obtain relevant majors but also be able to It is of substantial benefit to its company’s operations

The key points are summarized as follows:

       Universal design, founded by American designer Dr. Ronald L. Mace in 1980, is a doctrine that emphasizes inclusivity in design, originating from Dr. Mace's personal experience as a person with disabilities. He outlined seven design principles:

Equitable use
Flexibility in use
Simple and intuitive use
Perceptible information
Tolerance for error
Low physical effort
Size and space for approach and use
       These principles are applicable to the general public and have become crucial design principles for designers. Home storage is closely related to home design. When designing a project, consideration must be given to the age, gender, and living arrangements of the users. Details such as brightness, voltage settings for electrical appliances such as electric beds, and bathroom space planning should be incorporated from the outset.

Cleaning, organizing, and storage:

Cleaning refers to keeping the environment clean.
Organizing means arranging items neatly.
Storage involves systematic and logical organization of items.
Most vulnerable areas in the home:

Kitchen
Bedroom
Living room
Bathroom
       Common accidents in the kitchen include burns, cuts, and falls. Therefore, safety in cooking and design of the sink area, countertop, and cooking area are crucial. Additionally, ergonomic cabinet door handles and easy-to-reach storage solutions are important.

       For the bedroom, safety considerations include planned movement pathways, fall prevention, adequate lighting, power outlets, caregiver space, visible storage, and ease of use.

       In the living room, safety measures, lighting, remote-controlled lighting, caregiver space, visible storage, and clear labeling of storage spaces are essential.

       Bathroom design should focus on wet and dry separation, use of partitions or curtains, and safety equipment like bathtub aids and slip-resistant flooring.

       In conclusion, when organizing storage in elderly homes, attention should be paid to cleaning, organization, accessibility, safety, simplicity in design, use of assistive tools, and regular inspections. With these basic design concepts and storage techniques, elderly home organization can be made easier and more efficient. Aging should not be feared, and with proper planning and preparation, aging in place is achievable, making nursing facilities not the only option for every elderly person. With thoughtful home design and preparations made in advance, aging in place can become a reality.