Aging typically brings about a handful of common challenges. Arthritis can cause trouble with mobility, and old bones may make it a little more difficult to complete some common tasks around the house.
However, there are plenty of simple ways to adjust your home to a more age-friendly status. Take some time to consider these simple home improvement ideas, and work to create a more comfortable space for your aging body.
Install lever-style door handles
Arthritic hands can be pretty painful, and turning a traditional door knob isn’t something you will look forward to in the future. Installing lever-style door handles makes it much easier to open doors throughout the house.
You can do yourself another favor by adding foot pedal controls for sink faucets. No need to worry around stretching over the countertop to turn a knob when you have a simple foot pedal mechanism to get things flowing.
Improve lighting in your home
When you get older, your vision doesn’t always hold out for the long haul. Vision issues are common among aging adults, making lighting inside your home all the more important for comfort and safety.
You may need some assistance with your living situation as you age, but taking action inside your home can help keep you safer. Lighting is an easy fix. Add recessed lighting underneath kitchen cabinets, and make sure light switches are easy to find/maneuver.
Modify the bathroom areas
You’ll want to retain your freedom in the bathroom for as long as possible as you age, and adding a few upgrades could help make that goal more manageable. Start by adding grab bars by toilets and in your shower stalls.
If you can do the work yourself (or have a family member do it), then you can save quite a bit on this particular upgrade. The bars typically only cost $20-30 a piece at your local hardware store. Having them professionally installed will run around $100 per bar.
Take a closer look at the floor
You don’t want your home to be full of trip or slip hazards as you grow older, and there’s plenty you can do to avoid such a fate. Start by removing any area rugs around the house. Upturned corners pose a significant trip risk.
Pay attention to the slip ratings on flooring upgrades if your current flooring is not quite as safe as it should be for your aging body. You can get more info about safe flooring options on the AARP website online.
Add landing spaces for entryways
Once you get older, you don’t really have all the stamina and agility that you might have as a young adult. When you walk in the house with your hands full, it’s helpful to have a landing space to set you stuff down. Adding landing spaces in strategic locations throughout your house will help make your space more accommodating.
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