Home Improvements for the Ages: Choosing the Right Household Projects for Aging in Place

The arrival of spring often invokes a desire to make things feel new again. Around the home, that can mean decluttering your possessions, doing some deep “spring cleaning,” or perhaps taking advantage of more desirable weather (i.e, not too hot and not too cold) to tackle some home improvement projects.

When planning such projects, seniors or those approaching their retirement years should select home improvement projects that will increase their independence as they age. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of six home improvement projects that will improve the functionality of your space.

So, if you’re in your retirement years and warmer weather has you wanting to grab your toolbox, read these recommendations first!

1. Replace doorknobs with levers.

Traditional doorknobs can be hard to grasp and turn, particularly for people with arthritis or balance issues. Levers are easier to grip and allow you to use the weight of your hand to push or pull doors open. They’re affordable and stylish too.

2. Consider your reach zone.

Balance and mobility restrictions can make bending over and reaching up more difficult as we age, so keep this in mind when placing outlets, shelves, cabinets, and the like. Place electrical outlets higher off the floor (18 to 20 inches off the floor, as opposed to the typical 12 to 15 inches) and install cabinets and shelves within a 54-inch “reach zone” in order to make them more accessible.

Other ways to improve storage include:

• In lieu of storing frequently used items, use lazy susans to keep things organized and compact on countertops.
• Store heavy pots and pans on racks or dowels instead of stacking them.
• Install wall hooks at a level that is within your reach zone.
• Consider slide-out shelving for deeper cabinets.
• Install levers or push latches on drawers to make them easier to open.

3. Select flooring and countertop materials that contrast in color.

As we age, our eyes lose the ability to differentiate planes, which means that when a counter is the same color as the floor, it can be difficult to see. Avoid this problem by selecting flooring and countertop materials that contrast with one another, such as white or tan countertops with gray or dark brown flooring. In other words, avoid light on light or dark on dark.

4. Make bathrooms more accessible with these options:

• Walk-in tubs.
• Non-slip mats/flooring.
• Handrails or grab bars.
• Anti-scald valves.
• Curb-free showers.
• More space to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, caregivers, or some combination of these.

5. Fall-proof your stairs.

As we age, we tend to lose balance and stability and falls can be particularly dangerous for seniors. Therefore, stairs pose a particular hazard. Reduce the risk of falls by replacing one or two steps with a ramp whenever possible and/or adding a railing.

For longer staircases, improve lighting, add railings on both sides, and install anti-slip mats on stair edges. In addition, ensure that the flooring between rooms is smooth to prevent tripping.

6. Improve Lighting.

Our eyesight can diminish with age, so ensure that your space has adequate lighting. Window light and skylights are great options for bringing in natural light. Adding task lighting in the kitchen and other workspaces is also beneficial.

Making these functional improvements to your home can allow you to live independently for longer. Keep these recommendations in mind the next time you pick up a hammer. 

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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.