New Iowa State University Research Project will Help Aging Population in Rural Iowa
Rather than nursing homes being the default living option as people age, an Iowa State University researcher is looking for ways to improve homes so that people can more easily “age in place.”
Daejin Kim, assistant professor of interior design, focuses on the concept of aging in place, which allows aging adults to live safely and comfortably at home. He has started a new project, “Revitalizing Small Communities for Aging Population in Iowa: Making Home Modifications More Accessible,” which will conduct a home modification pilot project for older adults living in Charles City.
The research team plans to design a floor plan and 3D simulation, and make a specific construction plan and cost estimation for potential home modifications.
The project is also being incorporated into a residential design class, in which ISU students will participate in the effort by designing their own home modification plans. The best plans will be presented at the Charles City Senior Center on March 1.
