Take Charge of Your Health - Aging in Place

Aging is not lost on youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
-Betty Friedan

For many of us the thought of getting older and leaving our cherished home can be overwhelming. According to AARP, nearly 90% of seniors in the U.S. would prefer to continue to live in their home as they get older. For many families COVID has brought to light the risks of infection in nursing facilities and the restrictions if a family member lives in an assisted living center where, in the interest of safety, visitors are prohibited. Many are exploring ways to keep a senior family member living at home, longer. That’s what “aging in place” is all about - enabling people to be safe, comfortable, and as independent as possible in their own home.

As we age, changes naturally occur. These generally include hearing impairment, failing vision, reduced sense of smell, osteoporosis, increased likelihood of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, as well as cognitive changes. These conditions can lead to decreased balance, mobility, and dexterity as well as reduced strength and stamina. While Americans are living longer, (the current life expectancy for the U.S. is 78.93), most residential housing design is geared toward young, healthy adults. Builders often don't take into account age-related conditions or support the physical and sensory changes of seniors.

What may appear to be “insignificant” home features can have significant effect on our loved ones' safety and quality of life. Making modifications to the home, what is now called ‘designing for life', can make the living environment more in step with the elder's changing needs, give them a heightened sense of security and confidence, and empower them with the choice of remaining in the comfort of their own home.

Examples of helpful changes to consider include: 

• Accessible entrances with proper handrails and lighting

• Reflective tape or paint to mark outdoor steps

• One floor living or a second set of handrails on staircases or even an electric stair lift

• Space planning and strategically placed furniture

• A sink that can be raised or lowered

• Roll-out shelves in cabinets

• Cabinet doors which retract to leave knee space for people in wheelchairs

• Reachable electrical outlets

• Taller toilets

• Bathrooms with turn-around space for walkers or wheelchairs

• Grab bars and shower seats

• Shower hoses in a variety of lengths

• Walk-in showers and tubs

• Anti-scald devices

• "Rocker" style light switches with lighted or glow-in-the dark surfaces to aid visibility at night

• Motion sensor switches for lights and task lighting

• Anti-slip rugs or coatings for floors, eliminating dangerous "throw" rugs

• Fire, carbon monoxide, and security alarms

• Medical response devices

Even paint colors can impact mood and energy! If you or an elder you know wishes to remain at home, interior design changes recommended by a certified aging at home specialist can help assure a comfortable, safer, and still beautiful living space. To be assured you are working with qualified experts, consider contacting The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and AARP who have teamed up and developed a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program.