I'm semi-retired....

I'm a gym rat.... I may be fully retired by 90.... maybe!! friday I enroll in a program sponsored by the National Academy of Sports Medicine to secure my personal trainer certification.... 

I hope I never need handicapped access....

We recently worked on a development that would include all ages known as universal design.  I think that universal design is going to be incorporated in new homes.  A

No!!!

What you focus on, expands.

I'd consider a Gym.

Absolutely!

This makes for a "forever" home and one that is easy to age in place. We need these homes...more buyers than houses.

  Yes. 

I think it is absolutely a good idea, depending on your age and health, to plan for the possibility of needed assistance in the future. There are some surprisingly simple things that can be designed into a home that will help ease the transition. Walk-in showers, placing light switches a few inches away from the door frame and a few inches lower to allow for wider doors, if necessary.  Using handles instead of knobs, etc.

I think that "smart home" technology may become a big factor in making homes more accessible. It certainly is worth considering.

It's a good idea. Aging in place is becoming more and more important.

Definitely. 

Who said I was retiring? I have to agree with Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, ePRO, CRS, RCS-D 

Absoltely! My home is totally ADA compliant and you'd never know it unless you were looking for those specific appointments.

It's great knowing that if we ever have to house family following surgery or in their final years, there's nothing that has to be modified. 

Yes, some of those amenities can prevent accidents even for those who are not disabled.   And they can help with resale value.

I have seen some universal design homes and like Ron and Alexandra Seigel said I think we will see more...and that's a good thing. I would certainly consider it myself at some point.

At this point, would probably consider it..

I will tell you if I get there.

I'm right there with Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, ePRO, CRS, RCS-D!

There are many things that can be done behind the scenes or have your home properly constructed to prepare for the future needs, if ever required!

I have heard more and more about universal design.

Possible

I don't know.

Wow, this is a great question!!  ADA is in place by law for public buildings but completely optional for single family construction.  Most builders will pass on ADA on a spec house but may want to consider it on a custom design.  If you have steps up to a porch entry door how would a wheel chair make it?  If you don't have wide enough doors inside to bedrooms and at least one bathroom you have a problem again with a wheelchair.  And at least one bedroom should be wide enough to turn around easily and fit between walls, vanity and toilet.  Getting into a shower means reducing the lip of the door sill, etc.  Cabinets in kitchens should be lowered and other details.  A resale for a house outfitted to follow ADA may not be a negative, especially in a state like Florida where so many come to retire.

Perhaps 

I like to think more like Barbara Todaro & Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, ePRO, CRS, RCS-D . I would not go all out, but I really appreciate wider doors, so I would probably go with those. As far as the sink heights, hand bars and other things, I would wait. 

Yes

Yes

Yes, this is a very good idea and forward looking; especially if you are in a retirement community.

No, would only put them in once I need them.

A gym is a better alternative.

Yes, I would. 

No.

Not at this time.

It would be prudent to plan for your question

Why?

Many of our new homes already have compliant hallways, doorway widths, blocking in bathrooms and high rise toilets. 

I'd hold off on the ramp to the front door until actually needed. You know, that curb appeal thing.

Meanwhile, as others have noted. "universal design' has proven to benefit young and old and able and not so able alike.

The builder who does not incorporate universal design should not be considered as a candidate for building any house.

I will cross that bridge if I ever get to it.

Single story homes are the best in our market - and I suspect any market.  As people age, getting rid of stairs is a goal. Plus even those with children appreciate single level homes - less running up and down for laundry!!

Many great responses.

Depends on my plans for the future