We have all heard of “baby-proofing” a home, but have you heard of “age-proofing” one? As Baby Boomers continue to age and people are living longer, this term is becoming more and more prevalent.
While it can include downsizing into a more manageable sized home after children have moved away, there are many age-specific modifications that homeowners are making to ensure their home continues to work for them well into their golden years.
Many people are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as they can, and with this comes some considerations. There are obvious things like stairs, which do not necessarily work well as you age. But there are other ways that you can age-proof your home to make it work for you in the long term.
Let’s take a closer look!
Clear the Clutter
Whether you have a big house or a small one, things tend to accumulate over the years. One of the easiest ways you can age-proof your home is to cut back on the clutter. This can include minimizing potential obstacles in your rooms, like reducing the quantity of furniture. Ensure your seating arrangements allow for generous space between furniture pieces, and create pathways that are wide and easy to navigate.
Add More Light
As we age, our vision tends to diminish. So, adding more light to your home is an easy and inexpensive way to age proof. This is especially true for dimly lit areas like hallways and staircases.
A Helping Hand
When you’re thinking about age-proofing, you want to think about both the interior and exterior of your home. Installing railings on any stairs both inside and outside of your home will help give you a hand should you need it. Be sure to install railings on both sides of any staircase.
Non-Slip Flooring
Slip and falls are some of the most dangerous accidents that seniors face. So, consider installing non-glare, slip-resistant flooring in your entryways, kitchen, and bathrooms. It may make sense to eliminate any decorative throw rugs as well that can cause slip and falls.
Leverage a Downstairs Bedroom
While it would be great to have a single-story home, this just isn’t the reality for everyone. Instead, many homeowners choose to move into a downstairs bedroom when they age-proof their homes. Eliminating the need to climb stairs is a great way to cut down on potential hazards and accidents. This change may take some conceptualizing and imagination. For example, if you do not have an ensuite on the first level, you may have to share a bathroom with your guests. Look at the space you have and decide how you can make it the most comfortable for yourself, which may include replacing a hard flooring surface with low-pile carpet.
Increase the Size of your Bathroom
Bathrooms can be one of the biggest dangers as we age, so if you’re in a position to do so, consider increasing the size of your bathroom. If adding square footage isn’t an option, there are many age-appropriate fixtures that you can install to help make things easier. These include a high-profile toilet and a roll-in curbless shower with a seat, handheld showerhead, and easy-to-reach controls.
Don’t Forget Outside
As you’re age-proofing your home, don’t forget the outside where there are many changes you can make to ensure you are safe and happy for years to come. Some ideas include installing motion-sensor lighting to add light to walkways and paths, repairing uneven walkways and adding a shelf or table near your front or back doors to set down packages or groceries while you’re unlocking the door.
These are just some of the ideas that come to mind when I think about age-proofing a home. There are many experts in this field though, so consider looking for a local one who can assist you with assessing your needs. Here’s to independent living!
I’m a CA licensed real estate broker serving the Pasadena community and serve as an advocate for executors or trustees. If you have a relative who is in need of age-proofing their home or preparing to sell, I have countless resources to help you. Please get in touch if I can help.