When building owners and managers design public toilets, they discuss, review and consider countless features and products but typically base their final decisions on two priorities: the number of individuals the toilet must accommodate at one time and the overall cost. Unfortunately, this narrow approach to toilet design leaves little to no room for considering the varying needs of the toilet users themselves.

Accommodating the boomers

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia has a population of over 26 million. It’s fair to suggest that most people have used or will use a public toilet at some point in their lives. For many, public toilets are sufficient, providing access to essentials like a toilet, toilet paper, a sink, soap and either paper towels or a hand dryer. But for many others, public toilets present a myriad of challenges.

As of the most recent data, baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—make up a significant portion of Australia’s population (around 21.5 percent). According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people aged 65 and over make up a sixth of the population and that proportion is expected to grow over the next decade, reflecting both increased life expectancy and lower birth rates.

Not only do baby boomers represent a large demographic but they are spending more on travel and entertainment than younger generations. A recent Australia Post report found that boomers were bucking a frugal trend driven by cost-of-living pressures and continuing to spend big on online shopping. This trend is expected to continue as many boomers delay retirement and maintain active lifestyles. Given this, it’s likely they will frequently use public toilets during their outings.

Why Age matters

There’s no typical senior and no single ageing timeline exists. However, as people age, molecular and cellular damage accumulates, often leading to a gradual decrease in physical and mental capability. Common age-related health conditions include hearing loss, vision impairment, arthritis and diabetes.

These health conditions can impact a person’s quality of life in various ways. For instance, Type 2 diabetes can cause nerve damage that makes walking or standing difficult. Vision impairments can affect depth perception, and arthritis can limit dexterity, mobility and stability. Additionally, ageing often results in fragile skin, a loss of grip strength and coordination, and balance problems.

Recognising these potential health conditions and their related limitations is crucial when designing toilets that can better accommodate older Australians who are living active lifestyles.

Design with intention

While public toilets will be designed with an “average user” in mind, additional considerations arise when designing toilets that also improve the experience for older Australians.

First and foremost, toilet design should be approached with the “Seven Principles of Universal Design” in mind. Developed at North Carolina State University in 1997, these principles provide a framework for designing inclusive and accessible environments and products, aiming to reduce or eliminate barriers to their use. The first principle, for example, is to design for equitable use, meaning making what you design usable by people with diverse abilities. Another principle focuses on designs that enable simple and intuitive use, and a third suggests designs that require minimal physical effort.

You can apply these principles to the overall design of a public toilet and the features and fixtures it will include, such as by:

• Eliminating large, heavy doors at toilet entrances to make it easier for those with canes, walkers and wheelchairs to gain access.
• Installing touchless soap, sanitiser and paper towel dispensers, as well as touchless taps and flush valves, eliminates the need for users to push buttons, press levers and turn handles.
• Purchasing products that are gentle on the skin, including soaps that improve hygiene and are soothing and moisturising, and paper products that are absorbent and soft.
• Increasing lighting to make it easier for older toilet users to see the layout of the space and potential obstacles, such as bins, and to read signs and labels without difficulty.
• Mounting larger disposal bins in stalls to accommodate incontinence products.
• Incorporating stall doors that swing out to enable easier movement within the stall and to accommodate a walker or cane.

An especially senior-friendly toilet addition is the inclusion of at least one completely private stall with an adult changing station and a size large enough to accommodate a toilet user and a caregiver. Such a space will not only provide privacy but also help older toilet users maintain their dignity in what they may perceive as a vulnerable situation.

Taking baby steps

For facilities working with the constraints of existing toilets, taking small steps to meet the needs of older individuals is a great way to start providing a more inclusive, universal toilet experience. Any improvement, from changing out products to those gentler on the skin, is a step in the right direction.

About the author:

Ronnie Phillips, Ph.D., is senior director of washroom innovation at GP PRO, a leader in designing innovative toilet solutions that meet the needs of both users and maintainers.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.