Make Your Home Fit Your Needs As You Age

Physical aging is inevitable for all of us. According to most gerontologists, a person’s happiness in later life is the direct result of an individual's continued physical activity and involvement in everyday life. But for some of us, diminishing physical abilities can make daily routines difficult to manage. Climbing stairs, bathing and preparing meals can become complicated as our bodies change with age. Our home may become a prison with outdated products that once were easy to use but now are cumbersome. With that in mind, consider how user-friendly your home will be when the normal aging process begins.

Simple changes in your home help keep it livable as you age:

Use frosted glass globes in wall and ceiling light fixtures to reduce glare.

Use light-colored, translucent shades on lamps to distribute light evenly.

Three-way switches on lamps will allow for extra lighting when needed.

Use nightlights in bathrooms, hallways and bedrooms.

Install large lever-type controls on faucets, door latches and appliance knobs. These handles are easier to use than doorknobs and faucets.

Replace traditional light switches with rocker switches, toggle switches or touch switches. These switches do not require a great deal of force, gripping, twisting or fine finger dexterity to operate.

Normally doorways are 32 inches but you can install special hardware called swing-away hinges to expand the width of the door to allow walkers and wheelchairs easy access to rooms in your home.

An adjustable showerhead with a single control faucet is another useful feature.

The spray unit should be usable as a fixed or hand-held shower.

Fit kitchen cabinets with loop handles, sometimes referred to as "D" handle hardware. This type of hardware is much easier to use if there are problems with hand coordination.