Most Americans over 50 say they want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Aging in place simply means preparing your home so that it keeps working for you through every stage of life. The best part is that today's safety products look like ordinary good design.
Why plan now
Updates are easier, cheaper and far less stressful when you choose them calmly rather than after a fall or surgery. Many of these changes also add resale appeal, because buyers of every age appreciate a walk-in shower and good lighting.
The bathroom comes first
The bathroom is where wet floors and tight spaces meet, so it deserves your first attention.
- Grab bars that look like towel bars. Many manufacturers now make bars in brushed brass, matte black and polished nickel. Install them 33 to 36 inches above the floor, anchored into studs or with rated wall anchors. A regular towel bar is not built to hold your weight.
- A curbless or low-threshold shower. Even a 2-inch curb is easier than stepping over a tub wall. Add a fold-down teak bench and a handheld shower on a slide bar.
- Comfort-height toilet. Look for a seat height of 17 to 19 inches, compared with about 15 inches on older standard models.
- Slip-resistant tile. Small mosaic tiles have more grout lines, which give your feet more grip.
Light every step
Good lighting may be the single most helpful change you can make. Aim for bright, even light with no dark corners.
- Install motion-sensor night lights along the path from bedroom to bathroom.
- Put light switches at both ends of hallways and staircases.
- Choose rocker switches, which you can press with an elbow when your hands are full.
- Add LED strip lighting under kitchen cabinets and along stair treads.
Floors and thresholds
Trips usually start at a change in floor level or a loose edge. Replace raised thresholds with flush transitions, secure every rug with a pad or remove it, and choose matte finishes over glossy ones that show glare. Luxury vinyl plank and cork are both forgiving underfoot and easy to clean.
Contrast helps too. A darker stair nose or a contrasting strip on the edge of each step makes depth easier to judge.
Hardware you can use with full hands
Round doorknobs and small cabinet knobs become frustrating with arthritis. Lever handles on doors and D-shaped pulls on cabinets can be opened with a closed fist or a wrist. They come in every style, from farmhouse to modern.
| Feature | Helpful measurement |
|---|---|
| Doorway width | 32 to 36 in clear |
| Hallway width | 42 in or more |
| Grab bar height | 33 to 36 in |
| Toilet seat height | 17 to 19 in |
| Light switch height | 36 to 44 in |
| Outlet height | 18 to 24 in |
A kitchen that meets you halfway
Bring everyday items between hip and shoulder height. Deep drawers with full-extension slides beat lower cabinets with doors, because you pull the contents out to you instead of kneeling to reach. A wall oven at counter height and a microwave drawer remove heavy lifting from low and high spots.
Where to start on a budget
You do not need a full remodel. Many of the most effective changes cost less than $300 each.
- Motion night lights and brighter bulbs throughout.
- Two professionally installed grab bars in the bathroom.
- A handheld shower head and a shower bench.
- Lever handles on the doors you use most.
- Non-slip pads under every rug.
For larger projects, look for a contractor with the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation from the National Association of Home Builders. They can walk through your home with you and suggest changes that fit both your needs and your style.
This article is for general inspiration only. For electrical, plumbing, structural or accessibility work, consult a licensed professional. See our Disclaimer.
