Ask most people over 50 where they want to spend their later years, and the answer is almost always the same: home. AARP’s research shows that approximately 75% of older adults say they want to stay in their current home long-term.
Wanting to age in place and being set up to do it are two different things. A University of Michigan survey found that while most older adults hope to stay home, only about 15% have made a real plan for it. Not having a plan makes life’s unexpected events that much more difficult to cope with. For example, a sudden fall or illness that suddenly makes normal everyday tasks impossible.
It may be wise to plan ahead and incorporate minor changes to your home, before you need them. Experts agree that the highest-impact changes are surprisingly simple. The National Institute on Aging recommends starting with simple fixes:
- Adding better lighting on stairs
- Installing grab bars near the toilet & shower
- Applying non-slip floor strips
- Removing loose throw rugs
For larger renovations, research Universal Design. Homes built with these guidelines are designed to work just as well for an 80-year-old as anyone else. Key design elements include:
- Wider doorways and step-free showers
- Lever-style handles instead of doorknobs
- First-floor living access (bedroom & full bathroom)
You may want to consult with a CAPS-certified remodeler (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist), trained specifically to understand what an aging body needs from a home environment.
Aging-in-place advice often focuses entirely on the house, missing a critical factor: human connection in the community. Loneliness is a serious health risk, and your choice of living environment can either help or hinder connection.
The need for connection is one reason that “Village” models have become popular. These member-run neighborhood networks allow older adults to share resources for rides, errands, and companionship. As Shaneece Gaines of the National Council on Aging notes, aging in place, when done right, keeps people both self-sufficient and genuinely connected to their community.
It’s important to recognize when the plan to age in place needs to change. Aging in place is a wonderful goal, but safety has to come first. Geriatric specialists look for a few consistent red flags that signal it might be time to reassess. Repeated falls, medication mistakes, or difficulty with basic tasks such as safely cooking a meal or bathing, are just some of the red flags to be aware of, and share with your doctor.
Most importantly, aging in place isn’t a decision you make just once. It is an ongoing process that involves some serious personal reflection and evaluation. It’s important to consider not just your health, but also home maintenance, financial planning and community building. Most importantly, with all life decisions, you should be willing to adjust the plan when your health or safety needs change.
Whether you are planning for your own future, or the needs of a family member, the upcoming holidays may offer a great time to discuss ideas and options. If you’re looking for additional resources on this subject, please feel free to reach out to me. In addition to being a Realtor®, I’m also a Certified Senior Advisor® (not a real estate designation) and I’m a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®. I can be reached at 925-964-5010 or Lisa.Hopkins@compass.com. It’s never too soon to start planning for success.
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