Australians reach new heights

By Penny Mackenzie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Australians Reach New Heights
Research has shown that Australians are getting taller with each generation. Award winning
spiral stair manufacturer, stairs has released a new stair with a higher handrail to
accommodate this growing trend.
The Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, is concerned about the economic effects of Australians living
longer but he should also be looking at the fact that we are "getting longer".
Research by University of South Australia academics Kevin Norton and Tim Olds shows that the
average height of the population has been increasing by about one centimetre per decade over the
past century a trend that shows no sign of easing.
This has implications for everything from beds and baths to bench heights and ballgowns. Indeed,
Standards Australia has had to review clothing sizes because of the upward trend, and the building
industry will also have to take a look at its specifications.
A designer and manufacturer of modular spiral stair systems, Bryan Mackenzie, says: "When I was a
young bloke, six feet (183 centimetres) was considered tall. These days someone would have to be
getting close to seven feet to stand out."
His company, Stairs, has modified its designs incorporating higher handrails and greater
headroom to take into account this national growth spurt.
"Our stair system has won design awards for innovation, aesthetics, practicality and safety. However,
it's an indication of how things have changed over the 30 years we have been in business that we have
upgraded safety to accommodate a taller population."
Researchers say there are various factors in Australians reaching new heights. Improved nutrition
over the 20th century might have played a part, however tall people do tend to interbreed, and their
tall children help to push up the national average.
enzie
enzie
About Stairs
For information on the entire range of spirals and roof space ladders, contact Stairs
on 1800 035 078 or www.enzie.com.au
enzie has been Australia's best-known name in spiral staircases manufacturing over 7000 stairs
since 1974. They have won a string of prestigious awards including the Australian Design Award,
BHP Award for Consumer Products and were finalists for Prince Phillip Prize for Australian
Design. Their stairs can be found around Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, UK and more.
For more information on Spiral Stair, www.enzie.com.au
enzie
enzie
enzie.com.au
The Award Winning Stair People
1800 035 078 287 Arthur Street Fairfield, Victoria, 3079. Australia

Penny works in a small organisation who is in the process of generating some public relations for the business.