Home & Garden
Growing Senior Population In Georgia Will Thrive In Place
Subtle kitchen and bathroom upgrades can help aging retirees stay in their home longer.
In the year 2015, 11.6 percent of Georgia residents were seniors. That number is projected to rise 61 percent by 2030, as the state is a favorable place to retire. Of Georgia's senior citizens, 26 percent live alone, and the majority of them own their home instead of renting.
A growing trend among these aging retirees is "thriving in place." Thriving in place is an an effort for seniors to stay comfortably in their homes for as long as possible. If you're looking to give your home more longevity after retirement, there are some subtle steps you can take.
A recent HomeAdvisor survey polled 586 homeowners over the age of 55 who have considered retrofits designed to help them live independently as they age. Among them, 48 percent said the bathroom is the main focus. Another 20 percent were concerned with the kitchen, and 24 percent the entrance and stairway.
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Keep in mind that aging in place and thriving in place are two different concepts. Aging in place focuses on medically oriented improvements while thriving in place includes upgrades that make day-to-day life at home more convenient. Of course, if you are in a wheelchair, your home will need accommodations like grab bars and ramps. But healthy adults of any age can enjoy subtle additions to help them thrive.
If you're thinking about modifying your home over time, start with easy and affordable changes like pull-out shelves and cabinets with Lazy Susans. No one likes to be on their hands and knees digging through the back of the cabinet. More complex kitchen renovations can include improved appliance configurations and shorter cabinet heights.
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Another simple upgrade is to create a smarter home. A high-tech refrigerator, for example, is great for both busy families and aging seniors. In the latter case, adult children would be able to view contents of the fridge to ensure their parents' are stocked with fresh food.
Along those lines, voice-activation technology can also enable hands-free operation of lighting, appliances and other systems. For example, give a simple command in the evening hours instead of fumbling for the light switch on the way to the bathroom. If you're planning on staying in your home for the long haul, reach out to a remodeler or contractor near you to talk about easy improvements you can make to your home.
HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.