Health-conscious home search

Life and your house are once again all about you after decades of child juggling. An empty nest conjures up images of travel and quality time with grandkids for a lot of individuals in their 50s and 60s, as well as ideas of relocating to make the most of their next stage of life.

However, looking for a home later in life also presents a different set of factors. Your requirements have changed; for example, you could need less room and maintenance. Your capabilities have also probably changed. Now is the time to think about what architectural elements can turn your new house into a forever home, one that will allow you to age in place should you lose your mobility or agility.

Maybe you believe that buying a house based on changes that might never happen is too conservative, especially if you're in good health and want to stay that way. However, Harvard experts believe it's wise to adopt this perspective now, before a domestic catastrophe jeopardizes your freedom, because change is the only constant in life.

Do you wish to age in place? Tap technology
For almost 75 percent of older people, staying in one's home and community while aging in place is still ideal. According to a recent survey, over half of older people utilize assistive technology like fitness trackers and health apps to achieve this goal.

In a May 2023 publication, U.S. News and World Report conducted a study of 2,000 Americans aged 55 and above, of whom 53% were women. Of those surveyed, 53% said they used assistive technology. Mobile applications with a medical or health theme ranked highest in usage (25%), followed by wearable medical alert monitors (17%), smart home appliances (that regulate lighting, temperature, and other aspects), hearing aids, and shopping or meal delivery apps. According to the overwhelming majority of study participants, assistive technologies enhance their quality of life by making them feel safer (44%), healthier (33%), more independent (55%), and more mobile (20%).

Some older folks are so devoted to the concept of aging in place that they'll probably continue to live in less-than-ideal environments. This divide can be closed with the use of assistive technology, but only if it is fully utilized.

A wide range of early warning systems may be found in wearable medical alert trackers, and it is essential to acknowledge and respond to any notifications received from these devices regarding possible hazards. This presents a chance to utilize the aforementioned knowledge in order to establish communication with either one's family or healthcare provider, therefore seeking assistance to strengthen one's defenses.

Selecting a residence conducive to aging in place
The notion of a pleasant living environment is enhanced when it is designed to accommodate the needs of individuals across all age groups. When engaging in the process of searching for a residence, it is advisable to adopt a discerning perspective towards the following particulars:

Exterior staircase. The presence of even a small number of stairs at the entrance of a residence might provide obstacles to one's mobility in the event that they require the use of a walker or wheelchair in the future. An important feature to consider is the incorporation of a no-step entryway. Even a seemingly simple task, such as ascending two steps, might provide challenges for those who are unable to release their assistance while walking.

interior staircases. Try to stay away from them as well. If ascending stairs becomes problematic, moving to a single-story home solves the issue. Even if you decide on a two-story home, there are workarounds for this problem. Seek out a principal bedroom and bathroom suite on the ground level. "Guests and grandchildren can remain upstairs."

lighting. Sunny, bright spaces not only improve your mood but also keep you safer. Particularly, hallways should have adequate lighting, either from natural or artificial sources.

Design. People can move around the house more freely and readily with an open, level floor plan that has broad entrances and corridors. This also makes it easier to adapt a wheelchair or walker later on.

cooking area. Steer clear of too-tall cabinets. The last thing I want to see is an 85-year-old reaching up to retrieve a chafing dish while standing on a step stool.

One other minor but crucial issue is where the dishwasher is located. This appliance should be placed in a corner so that you won't have to keep going around it while filling or emptying it. People bump into the door with their legs while it's down.

  

restroom. A significant amount of house falls occur in the bathroom because of its slippery surfaces. The biggest risk, though, could be a bathtub/shower combination that forces you to climb in and out. Make sure there is adequate space for a shower chair and "have the lowest step up into the shower."

The location is everything.
A home's surroundings and exterior might be equally as significant as its inside. Experts from Harvard offer tips for narrowing down a wise decision in light of this.

Seek conveniences. Being close to medical services, shops, pharmacies, and parks for leisure walks makes aging in place simpler. You should prepare for the possibility that you won't want to drive at night or that you won't be able to drive later.

Place interaction first. Look for a lively area with a clubhouse and fitness facility for people over 55, or one that offers more social choices even if you're not going far." It provides an inherent social life for those who enjoy socializing.

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