Will you be able to age in place? Here’s what you need to know.

  • Many people want to age in place but may face challenges in making their homes safe and accessible.
  • Only 49% of people think they will be able to stay in their own homes as they age.
  • Less than 4% of U.S. homes have key features of accessible housing.
  • The top five remodeling jobs to help people age in place are grab bars in bathrooms, curbless showers, higher toilets, wider doorways, and additional lighting.
  • Entrances and stairs are the biggest danger zones in a home for older residents.
  • Bathrooms and kitchens pose challenges for daily personal care.
  • Making bathrooms accessible may require curbless showers and lower sink heights.
  • Kitchens can be adapted based on individual needs.
  • Lighting is important throughout the house to improve safety.
  • It’s recommended to focus on the biggest danger zones first and then address other areas of the home.

Many people desire to age in place, staying in their own homes as they grow older. However, there are challenges to making homes safe and accessible for aging individuals. According to AARP, while 77% of people aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes, only 49% believe they will be able to do so. The term ‘aging in place’ refers to the concept of living in one’s home safely and independently, regardless of age or physical ability.nnTo successfully age in place, homeowners need to address key issues such as making minor repairs, dealing with stairs, paying off mortgages, and lowering property taxes. However, the majority of U.S. homes lack key features of accessible housing, such as single-floor living, no-step entries, and wide hallways and doorways. Remodeling and retrofitting homes to make them safer for older residents is crucial.nnThe top five remodeling jobs to support aging in place include installing grab bars in bathrooms, creating curbless showers, using higher toilets, widening doorways, and adding additional lighting. However, it’s important to plan ahead and consider long-term needs rather than reacting to immediate events. Remodelers report that a significant portion of their work is for clients aged 65 and over.nnEntrances and stairs are the biggest danger zones in a home for older residents. A zero-step entrance is essential for accessibility, but many homes lack this feature. Inside the home, stairs can also pose challenges, especially in homes without single-floor living options. Bathrooms and kitchens are areas where daily personal care can be challenging. Bathrooms require curbless showers, lower sink heights, and wheelchair maneuverability. Kitchens can be adapted based on individual needs, such as lowering storage spaces and counters.nnIn addition to specific areas, it’s important to address general safety concerns throughout the house. The living room, for example, can have trip hazards like throw rugs and cords. Lighting is crucial in every room, as our eyes require more light as we age.nnWhile it may not be necessary to tackle every room at once, it’s recommended to focus on the biggest danger zones first and then address other areas of the home. By taking steps to make homes safer and more accessible, individuals can increase their chances of successfully aging in place.·

Factuality Level: 3
Factuality Justification: The article provides information on the importance of making homes safe for independent living as people age, including statistics and expert opinions. However, it lacks depth and could benefit from more diverse perspectives and research to support its claims.·
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides valuable information on the challenges and solutions for aging in place, supported by data and expert opinions. It stays on topic and offers actionable insights for readers interested in making their homes more age-friendly.·
Public Companies: JPMorgan Chase (JPM)
Key People: Rodney Harrell (Vice President for Family, Home and Community at AARP), Vince Butler (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist with the NAHB and President of Butler Brothers)

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Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: This article does not pertain to financial topics or events that impact financial markets or companies. It focuses on the topic of making homes safe for independent living as people age.·
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: ·

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