Home & Garden
Here's How Seniors In Virginia Are Thriving In Place
Subtle kitchen and bathroom upgrades can help aging retirees stay at home longer.
With people living longer, estimates say one in five Virginians will be older than 65 by the year 2040. In 2010, 12.21 percent of the population was 65 and over, and that number is projected to rise as soon as next year. Among aging seniors in Virginia, there is a trend to thrive 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. In 2016, HomeAdvisor 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.
It's important to note 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.
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Instead of a full kitchen and bathroom remodel, you can choose to make subtle improvements 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.
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.
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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.