If you are nearing retirement age, you are probably looking forward to all the activities you have not had time for in the past. Maybe you would like to plan more sleepovers for the grandkids. Or perhaps you and your friends would like to start a cooking club that meets in each other's homes. If you are like most people belonging to the boomer generation (1946-1964), when you imagine your future, it generally includes being active, doing the things you enjoy, and staying in your own home. Boomers usually like to avoid thinking about aging and how it might affect their active lifestyle.

It's a good thing, however, to start the process now of remodeling your home so it will meet your future needs with comfort and style. As your home is remodeled, modifications that accommodate all physical limitations can be seamlessly incorporated into the design without detracting from your home's beauty. This is what is known as "barrier-free" design or "universal design." Without certain modifications, even the most luxurious of homes could become a barrier to your freedom of movement, should you ever have an accident or require surgery.

Consider your bathroom. If you ever are confined to a wheelchair, will you be able to bathe yourself independently? Here's a check-list of items you may want to include as you upgrade to a barrier-free bathroom:

· Zero-threshold shower with a seat
· Grab bars inside and outside the shower
· Adjustable-height hand shower with thermostatic controls
· Wide-decked bathtub
· Comfort-height toilet
· Electronic hands-free faucets
· Knee space under the vanity or wall-mounted sink
· Rocker light switches or motion-detector light switches
· Lever handles on doors

An additional plus is that these kinds of products are available from many manufacturers today in stylish designs and luxury finishes that enhance the look of your bathroom, rather than make it appear institutional. The Infinity grab bar from Great Grabz (photo above) provides a sophisticated look, yet can hold over 250 lbs. of force. Also pictured (photo left) is Jason's sleek zero-threshold shower base that includes an integral seat and a slip-resistant textured floor.

Take a look around the rest of your home and think about whether you will be able to move from one area to another safely, independently and comfortably in the years to come. If you prepare ahead of time by remodeling your home using universal design guidelines, you can look forward to enjoying a home that is livable for a lifetime!

There are many ceramic tile products on the market that will add texture, color, interest and even a bit of "sparkle" to your home. Most homes have ceramic tile installed in kitchens, bathrooms or floors. When we shop for tile we usually look for color and style but we may overlook the functional uses.

Here are 5 helpful facts to know the next time you shop for ceramic tile:

1. About two thirds of the ceramic tile in the U.S. is imported. Italy is the largest producer followed by Spain, Mexico, Brazil, France, England, Germany and Asian countries which are increasing production.
2. Ceramic tile is glazed or unglazed. Glazed tiles are the more delicate decorative wall tiles. Unglazed tiles are the pavers, terra cottas and quarry tiles. Unglazed tile is fire-hardened and the same color throughout. The color of unglazed tile can either be the color of the clay itself or can be created by tinting the clay by adding minerals. Firing temperatures and kiln conditions also create color variations.
3. Firing temperature and duration will determine the physical properties of ceramic tile. Low-fired clay is porous and water and stains can infiltrate the surface. Longer, hotter firing fills in or "vitrifies" the pores and forms a strong, dense, less absorbent material. In our area unglazed tiles used indoors and outside should be either "vitreous", with an absorbency rating of between 0.5 and 3.0 percent, or "impervious", less than 0.5 percent absorbency. Vitreous tiles are high-fired stoneware that will stand up to wet, high traffic and cold climate conditions. Impervious tiles are referred to as porcelain and are dense, stain-resistant and require no sealing. They are more expensive, somewhat more difficult to install but are durable and withstand wet or freezing conditions.
4. Glazed tiles are created by fusing a glassy layer to the ceramic which makes it impermeable, colorful and reflective. Glaze is made from glass-forming minerals such as silica and boron with clay to add body, melting agents and metallic oxides to create colors.
5. When shopping for glazed tile, note that the tile you order may vary in color from the tile in the showroom. Glazes are temperamental and the color can change slightly in production runs.

Source: Creative Homeowner's "Decorating with Tile" by Margaret Sabo Wills (out of print) If you're looking for ideas for adding tile to your home, we recommend the following resources:

• HGTV. You will find ideas for kitchen backsplashes , bathroom tile design , flooring and outdoor tiles .
A few additional shopping tips:
• Bring samples of cabinet wood, countertop surfacing or flooring with you if you are going to install these items with tile to find the right colors and textures for your home.
• Layout tile samples in the showroom if you can. Play with patterns i.e. subway, diagonal, patchwork or straight line and color palettes. Combine tiles with edgings, trims, inlays and samples of your cabinet wood, counters or flooring to visualize what the elements might look like in your home.
• Be sure to take a camera with you to photograph displays in showrooms and tile boards for design ideas. If you are working with a contractor, these photos may be helpful in planning the layout and installation.

Are you planning a home project that requires installing tile?