I’ve long been a student of “Aging in Place,” the concept of residential design that focuses on planning and implementing features that allow one to remain at home despite physical changes and challenges that may arise with aging. This includes making modifications to homes to accommodate physical or cognitive decline, so that residents can retain as much autonomy and control over their daily lives as possible, allowing them to live safely and comfortably in their own familiar surroundings. One article I read recently prefers to call it “thriving in place!”
Here on Cape Cod, about 42% of the year-round population is over 60 years old, and over 60% of the year-round population is over 45 years old. The importance of “Aging in Place” and planning for the future certainly applies to this area!
As we age, our homes should be spaces that continue to support our well-being and independence. Aging in place, the concept of staying in one’s well functioning home as long as possible, is becoming increasingly important. Interior design plays a crucial role in making this a reality. Thoughtful modifications can ensure a safe and comfortable environment, allowing older adults to live at home with confidence and dignity. Key elements include open floor plans, wide doorways, and non-slip flooring, which help prevent accidents and promote easy movement. In addition, features like accessible lighting, lower countertops, and bathroom modifications, such as grab bars or walk-in tubs, can enhance both comfort and functionality.
One of the fundamental principles of aging in place is ensuring a sense of autonomy and control over one’s surroundings. Interior design that focuses on universal design principles ensures that homes are both stylish and practical, regardless of age or ability. The integration of assistive technologies, such as voice-activated controls or automatic lighting, can also improve ease of use. Smart home devices, including thermostats, doorbell cameras, and security systems, allow older adults to manage their environment without the need for constant physical effort. At the very least, light switches placed in easy to reach locations are crucial. With the right design choices, aging in place becomes less about limitations and more about creating a space that supports an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
A comprehensive aging in place checklist may vary on aspects such as age, current needs and mobility but may include:
Bathrooms: Shower and tub safety (grab bars, walk in shower with nonskid shower floor surface, shower chair or bench seat, option for handheld shower sprayer, comfort height toilet, and easy to use lever faucet handles.
Bedrooms: Remove small area rugs that present a tripping hazard, ensure the bed height is easy to manage, create bedroom on first floor if stairs become difficult.
Kitchens: Provide wide spacing between counters/cabinets to accommodate wheelchairs if needed. Design the kitchen to be accessible from wheelchair height if needed. Add slide out drawers or trays to cabinets for easy access to kitchen tools.
General: Provide wide doorways, de-clutter living areas for easy and obstacle-free movement, consider bare floors or low pile carpet for easy mobility for walkers or wheelchairs, provide lever handles for doors (easier to operate than door knobs), create a ramp entry or wide entry to allow easy access to at least one entry point into the home, provide a covered entry with a bench for protection from the elements.
Aging in place is not just about safety; it’s about maintaining a sense of identity and connection to one’s environment. Interior design can make a huge difference by incorporating elements of personal style and memory. Adding comfortable and supportive furniture, family photos, heirlooms, or art that resonates with an individual can help create a space that feels truly like home, even as physical needs evolve. With the right combination of safety, comfort, and personalization, aging in place can be a relatively seamless and rewarding transition, allowing older adults to thrive in their own homes for many years to come. With the right design choices, aging in place becomes less about limitations and more about creating a space that supports an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Live life and thrive!