Martin Walker, CEO of Methven UK, discusses the role played by technology and design in the creation of usable bathrooms for the ageing population and what this means for installers.
Thanks to improvements in healthcare, advancements in technology and a higher standard of living, the population of the UK is now living longer than ever before. Whilst clearly a cause for celebration, this also presents new issues which, as an industry, bathroom manufacturers must address. More than 11 million people are now aged over 65 and a third of us are aged 55 and over, whilst the number of living centenarians has increased by 73% in the last decade(i). With this shift in demographic comes the necessity to ensure that society is prepared to meet the needs of the elderly.
In a recent survey conducted by Shelter(ii), which focused on housing options for the elderly, it was revealed that more than half of all respondents believed their current bathrooms required modification or re-planning in order to make them more accessible and easy-to-use. This need for change is highlighted by recent NHS statistics stating that it spends £16million each year on treating elderly patients for injuries related to falls associated withbaths. This also highlighted the already pressing need to improve bathrooms in existing properties to meet the specific requirements of the elderly, and thisis a pressure that is only going to increase in years to come as life expectancies continue to rise.
The bathroom was also identified as a key area that should be designed to embrace all ages and abilities by the Foundation for Lifetime Homes and Neighbourhoods. Despite urging the bathroom industry – including specifiers, installers and manufacturers – to support inclusive living, the reality is thatthere is much more to be done. In response to this, members of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) have already taken the initiative and are attempting to tackle the challenges facing the ageing population and aid members in making their own commercial decisions. 
Manufacturers are continuing to work hard to develop products that improve safety and accessibility, ultimately helping designers to create bathroom spaces which are usable for the duration of a person’s life. For example, simple product enhancements - such as longer, more ergonomically designed lever handles and looped lever handles which make showers and taps easier to operate and can make a positive impact on the overall bathroom experience. Similarly, ceramic disc valves inside taps allow them to move smoothly, offering easier operation to those with limited dexterity, whilst clearer markings and instructions mean those operating them can identify which is hot and which is cold more easily.
Whilst design is important, so too is the development of new technologies to future-proof bathrooms. The needs of the elderly are often dismissed simply as mobility challenges, which can be resolved with the creation of walk-in showers or baths. Whilst providing some assistance, these methods fail to address some of the more serious issues the elderly face in the bathroom. Showering, for example, presents a much broader set of challenges. Temperature, flow and spray pattern are all things that affect an older person’s showering experience and these considerations have helped to shape recent technological advancements in showering products. And, with the rise in multi-generational living, these considerations benefit the whole family, including small children.
It is essential that those specifying bathroom products are presented with adequate information about those who will be inhabiting the property and using the bathroom, in order to ensure they make the right choice for their customers’ specific requirements and situations.
If a user has sensitive skin, for instance, showers with a softer flow such as Satinjet® should be specified. Unlike conventional showers that can produce an uncomfortable needle-like spray, Satinjet technology creates an optimum water droplet size, providing greater warmth and coverage and an immersive full body experience.
When specifying products for the elderly, safety is always of paramount importance, as hot water can cause a serious scald injury within a matter of seconds. Although the degree of scalding depends on the temperature and volume of hot water, and the length of time the body is exposed to it, it typically only takes a matter of seconds for a severe scald to occur. Scaldingis the second most common cause of household injuries, with adults above the age of 65 being amongst those at highest risk. Unfortunately, there are 570 serious bath water scald injuries, and more than 20 related deaths, in the UK every year (ii).
To counteract this, thermostatically controlled products - which accurately control the water temperature for showering, bathing and hand-washing - have been developed. These products include specially designed valves which maintain a pre-set temperature even if the water pressure varies. Once installed and properly maintained, they can significantly reduce the risk of scalding in the home.
Complementing this, elderly customers can also benefit from cool-to-touch bar shower technology which ensures that the temperature of the valve never 
exceeds that of the mixed water. Being safe to touch, users can rest assured that they won’t scald themselves if they accidentally touch the shower body, which is a very real possibility due to showering spaces becoming smaller as average house sizes continue to shrink. As a result,products offering cool-to-touch technology can remove this danger, ensuring that all components are cold regardless of water temperature.
When specifying for the older customer, installers will find it helpful to refer toproducts conforming to BuildCert’s TMV scheme that minimise the risk of scalding. Methven UK offers an extensive portfolio of thermostatic showering products which conform to TMV2 and TMV3.
CEO Martin Walker
Inclusivity and versatility are imperative; installed products should address the needs of the ageing population without alienating users from a design perspective. The bathroom should be a relaxing, user friendly place to be. Most importantly, it should also be safe.
(i) Office National Statistics
(ii) Shelter – ‘A better fit – housing options in later life’
(iii) Hot Water Burns Like Fire campaign
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