When you picture your golden years, where do you see yourself living? If you’re like 77% of adults surveyed by AARP, the answer is “at home”!
Aging in place, or living out your elder years in your own house and community, is the ideal for most people. Unfortunately, many homes (even new custom builds) are not designed to accommodate the unique health and mobility needs of older people.
If retirement is still a ways off for you, it may feel a bit premature to think about senior-friendly house modifications. However, a few simple changes to your design plans can support graceful and independent aging in the home you love.
Keep these principles in mind while you plan your forever home:
Flexibility
Flexible design allows a living space to work well for people of many different ages and abilities. This doesn’t require special “accessible” features per se, but rather an approach to design that facilitates everyone’s comfort and independence.
Some examples include wider doors and walkways, motion sensor lights and faucets, walk-in showers with hand-held nozzles, higher outlets, and kitchen surfaces at varied heights. These solutions are helpful for young children, older folks and everyone in between!
Single-Story Living
As we get older, stairs become less friendly, and installing a residential chair lift or elevator can be expensive. Having all the essentials on the main floor– including a bedroom, bathroom and laundry area– eliminates the need for multiple trips up and down the stairs every day. A first-floor suite can be used as a guest room or play area now and transformed into a mobility-friendly master bedroom later on.
Safety
One of the biggest risks to senior well-being is trips, slips and falls. Thresholds between rooms and uneven floor transitions pose a serious trip hazard, plus they are difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. It’s a good idea to design your home with zero-drop flooring that transitions smoothly from one room to another (especially on the first story). Outside your home, the same rule applies to sidewalk cracks and uneven pavement. Planning for at least one stair-free entrance into the house can prevent the need for a wheelchair ramp in the future. Make sure all interior and exterior stairs have non-slip treads and sturdy handrails.
In the bathroom, grab bars help to prevent accidents. They can be discreetly incorporated into fixtures like your towel rack and toilet paper holder. There are even shower grab bars that double as wall art or blend seamlessly into your bathroom design.
Accessibility
Growing older often brings a gradual loss of mobility and strength, making everyday tasks a frustrating struggle. The upside is that if you’re building or remodeling a home, it’s easy to find accessible fixtures that can make life so much easier. These features come in a variety of decor styles, so they won’t disrupt your aesthetic or make your home look clinical!
As a general rule, levers and pulls are easier for aging hands than knobs. Opt for lever-style door handles, levers instead of knobs on sinks, pulls instead of knobs on drawers, and rockers instead of traditional light switches. Casement windows with a crank can be opened using minimal force. Raised dishwashers are another nice feature that eliminates uncomfortable bending over to load the dishwasher.
Lighting
Aging eyes often need a little extra light to see clearly. Adequate lighting is essential for safety and comfort. Incorporate lots of natural light through windows and skylights, and make sure to have plenty of well-placed artificial light sources as well. A combination of overhead, recessed, task and under-cabinet lighting helps keep kitchens and bathrooms safe. Interior and exterior steps should have lighting around the treads for optimum visibility.
From Aging in Place to Thriving in Your Home
No one likes to think about getting older, but aging is a part of life. The good news is that creating a safe and accessible space can help you live at home for longer and enjoy doing it!
I often encourage people to reframe “aging in place” with a positive lens. It’s not all about planning for potential future limitations. It’s about mindfully considering what you need to thrive and flourish during your golden years.
How do you want to spend your well-earned free time? Maybe you love organic gardening, and you can build some raised garden beds to enjoy that hobby in comfort. Or maybe you need a great custom kitchen so you can still host big family gatherings! How about a little artist’s studio in the back garden? This is your future, so get creative and make it your own.
Do you have any questions on aging in place that I didn’t answer? Leave a comment and ask away! I’m here to help you create a home you LOVE… now and always!
