The United States is home to about 62 million adults aged 65 or older, which accounts for about 18 percent of the population. American seniors will make up an estimated 23 percent of the adult population by 2054. As the nation’s senior community continues to grow, families and individuals must educate themselves on important lifestyle changes, including matters of aging in place.
Aging in place is an umbrella term used to describe the various products, services, and lifestyle changes that help adults maintain independent lives as long as possible. Home-based care initiatives range from managing daily tasks to staying up to date on medication and other health concerns. A key element of aging in place involves making a home and property safe for seniors, as their needs and abilities change with time.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) maintains several recommendations for safe at-home living for older adults. Safety measures should begin at the entryway. Homeowners need to consider the advantages of installing a ramp with handrails at the front door, even if no one in the house has mobility issues. More than two-thirds of seniors describe having difficulties walking or climbing, and almost 40 percent of the senior population lives with at least one disability. Homeowners should be aware that handrails are mandated for all wheelchair ramps by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Stability should be a priority for seniors in every room, which means checking area rugs and carpets. All carpets should be firmly fixed to the floor to minimize the chances of a slip and fall injury. One-quarter of American seniors live with balance disorders that require assistance. Falls, meanwhile, are the top cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries to seniors. Over 3 million seniors are treated for fall-related injuries annually, including more than 800,000 cases that require hospitalization. Treatment costs for falls are projected to exceed $101 billion by 2030.
Seniors can also minimize slip and fall dangers by ensuring that all rooms are well-lit. It is especially important to maintain good lighting at the top and bottom of stairs. It becomes increasingly difficult for some people to maintain stair negotiation capabilities as they age. In these cases, individuals can continue to meet safety objectives by installing a handrail or stair lift. At some point, seniors may need to consider relocating to a home without stairs.
Rails can provide additional support in areas of the home known for slippery surfaces, such as the bathroom. NIA recommends that older Americans install grab bars near all toilets, tubs, and showers. Nonslip floor strips can further reduce the threat of falls in bathrooms and kitchens.
Older Americans will need to make minor and major lifestyle changes as they age at home. For example, individuals with no strict cleaning routine must understand that clutter and unnecessary items represent trip and fall threats. If individuals can no longer care for potted plants they should be removed from the home. If a family cannot manage their daily tasks they may need to hire some form of support, whether it is a general assistant or health services provider.
