Aging is something that many of us avoid thinking aboutuntil it’s too late. We hear people say, “I never thought I’d end up like this.” But the truth is, we’re all heading in that direction – if we’re lucky
enough to grow old. The key is not to wait until it’s too late, but to start planning now, ensuring our homes support us as we age, promoting independence and functional mobility.
The idea of modifying your home to accommodate aging doesn’thave to mean compromising on style, comfort, or aesthetics. With a little forward-thinking, you can make your living space both functional and beautiful, supporting your independence and mobility for years to come. As an occupational therapist (OT), I’m passionate about helping people think ahead and make those
adjustments before they’re needed – and it’s never too early to start planning.
Why Environmental Design Matters for Aging
Our physical capabilities change over time, whether it’s agradual loss of flexibility, muscle strength, or balance (Zhou, 2024). These changes can make navigating a home that wasn’t designed with aging in mind challenging. Unfortunately, many people don’t realise how much they could have improved their living situation until they face a crisis. That’s why planning
ahead for functional independence is crucial – it’s not about expecting to age poorly, but about making life easier, safer, and more comfortable as we grow older.
Good environmental design for aging isn’t about waitinguntil you have a disability or difficulty walking; it’s about building a home that will support you now and in the future. You can create a space that minimizes risks and maximizes your ability to move freely, live comfortably, and remain independent (Newcomer & Bexton, 2024).
Ergonomic Design for Seamless Mobility
When thinking about the future of aging in your home,consider how ergonomic design can enhance mobility (Kuboshima & McIntosh, 2021). Ergonomics involves arranging the living space to reduce strain on the body and increase ease of movement. Key elements of ergonomic design include:
Level Access Showers: These showers are a game-changer for people of all ages, but particularly for aging individuals. They eliminate the need for stepping over a high bathtub edge, reducing the risk of falls. Instead, a smooth, flat floor provides easy access for everyone, including those using mobility aids.
Grab Rails and Handrails: While they may not be the most glamorous feature in your home, strategically placed grab rails can make a world of difference in maintaining your balance and independence. It’s important to think about where these will go in advance – near the toilet, in the shower, next to stairways, and along corridors. When placed properly, grab rails blend seamlessly into the design while serving a vital functional purpose.
Downstairs Toilets: If you live in a multilevel home, you may not realize the struggle it will cause if mobility becomes difficult. Investing in a downstairs toilet will save you from having to navigate stairs to use the bathroom, especially if you lose the ability to safely go upstairs. It's a small investment that could have a huge impact on your daily comfort and safety.
Redesigning the Kitchen: Kitchens are where we spend a significant amount of time, but as we age, simple tasks like bending, reaching, and standing can become difficult. Consider lowering countertops, adding pull-out drawers, and installing ergonomically designed appliances that reduce strain on the body. A well-thought-out kitchen can keep you cooking independently for years.
Consider your Seating: Whether you like to ‘kick back and relax’ on a deep low settee now, there is a possibility you won’t be able to manage that when your lower limb strength begins to deteriorate. There is so much to consider when choosing a settee or armchair that will support you well into the future: height, depth, width, and purpose.
Thinking Ahead: How OTs Can Help You Plan for Aging
Occupational therapists specialise in helping people maintain their independence and functional mobility at home. We focus on assessing the way you interact with your environment and suggesting changes that can support your long-term health and independence. When it comes to planning for aging, an OT can help you:
Assess Your Current Living Space: Together, we can evaluate your home to identify areas that may become more challenging as you age. Whether it’s poor lighting, narrow doorways, or awkwardly placed furniture, we’ll discuss how to optimise your space for future needs.
Plan for Accessibility: OTs can help design and implement accessible spaces, from ensuring your bathroom is safe to recommending modifications for your living room, bedroom, and kitchen. We’ll suggest practical, cost-effective changes to enhance mobility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Develop a Future-Proof Plan: Planning for aging isn’t just about today; it’s about creating a living environment that supports you in the long term. We’ll help you think about how you’ll continue to live safely and comfortably as you age, with options that adapt to your changing needs.
Evaluate Mobility Aids: If needed, we can assess whether mobility aids such as walking frames, wheelchairs, or other assistive technologies are appropriate for your home. Making sure these aids are seamlessly integrated into your living space can prevent obstacles from hindering your daily activities.
Practical Tips for Preparing Your Home
Ensure Clear, Unobstructed Pathways: Keeping walkways free of clutter is essential for maintaining mobility. Remove or relocate obstacles like rugs or low furniture that may become tripping hazards.
Install Bright Lighting: Good lighting is essential for vision and safety. Make sure your home is well-lit, particularly in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms. Motion-sensor lights can be a great way to ensure visibility at night.
Use Non-Slip Flooring: Tile, hardwood, or carpet can be slippery when wet, which increases the risk of falls. Non-slip safer flooring materials can improve safety, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.
Think About Future Health Conditions: Whether it’s arthritis, reduced vision, or hearing loss, considering potential future health conditions when planning your home can make a significant difference in preserving your independence.
The Importance of Starting Early
Aging is a reality for all of us, but with a little foresight and proper planning, we can make the process smoother, more comfortable, and more independent. Don’t wait until it’s too late to think
about how your home will support your needs as you age. By taking action now, you can ensure that your living environment will adapt with you, so you can continue to live life the way you want – without compromising on your independence.
At Hummingbird Therapy Services, we’re passionate about helping people plan for the future. If you’d like to learn more about how an occupational therapist can help you prepare your home for aging or make adjustments to improve accessibility and mobility, get in touch today. Together, we can create a living space that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
References:
Kuboshima, Y. and McIntosh, J., 2021. Housing design thatimproves the independence and safety for older adults using a walker. AppliedErgonomics, 97, p.103539.
Newcomer, R.J. and Bexton, E.F., 2024. Ageing and theenvironment. In The Social Challenge of Ageing (pp. 73-116).Routledge.
Zhou, X., Li, J. and Jiang, X., 2024. Effects of differenttypes of exercise intensity on improving health-related physical fitness in
children and adolescents: A systematic review. Scientific Reports, 14(1),p.14301.