The trend of aging in place sees many older adults preferring to stay in their homes rather than relocate. However, only about 10% of homes are equipped for this lifestyle, creating obstacles for seniors. Issues such as staircases, slippery floors, and inconvenient light switch heights complicate daily activities. Real estate professionals are starting to cater to this need by offering homes with modifications for accessibility, including wider walkways and lower storage solutions, which can improve functionality and safety for aging homeowners.
"What worked for us at 35 might be a literal pain at 75," says Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency in Portland, OR. "Dexterity, balance, and strength all shift as we ageâturning once-simple tasks like reaching for a mug or twisting a stove knob into precarious balancing acts."
"We're looking for wider walkways, fewer steps between important areas like the stove, counter, and sink," she says of home tours with clients. "We're also looking for lower storage that's easy to reach. Even small features like pull-out shelves or lazy Susans can make the space more functional over time."
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