Page 148 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2023

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story by Holly Harrison and Shannon Stage
AGING IN PLACE Planning the Home of Your Later Years
“The Golden Years,” a 1950s advertising slogan used to market one of the first retirement developments in the U.S., has always suggested that starting at the age of 65 we can relax and live as if we are on vacation every day. We stop working, and all we have been working for begins.
But over the last six decades a lot has changed. People are retiring later in life, or not all. Folks are staying healthier and more active well into their 80s. And it is said that 60 years of age is now the new 40. A lot of people are not interested in going to the “retirement home” and even the definition of what a retirement home is has changed. But one thing has not changed: everyone is going to get older.
The new phrase for this phase in our lives is “aging in place,” meaning being able to stay in our home if we can. But there are some things to think about before we get to the “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” stage in life. Whether it’s during a home remodeling project, a new home build, or it’s just time to make some plans, there are some things that can be done now that will make a big difference down the road.
Mobility issues can pop up any time. Consider creating all the living and sleeping spaces you use daily on the first floor. When there are opportunities to create wider hallways and doorways, take them. A 36” doorway can handle most situations. Install smooth flooring, knowing rugs can be removed later when they need to disappear. Some flooring options have more anti-slip qualities than others, so carefully shop for flooring and ask for help. Increase indoor visibility with good overhead and task lighting and under the cabinet lights in the kitchen and bath can establish good pathways at night.
There are several ways to improve the bathroom to be ready for the time when more support is needed. Remove barriers to entering the shower. Keep the floor flat between the bathroom and the shower floor. Build in a bench for seated bathing or leave room for a free-standing bench to be used as needed.
Be sure you have a handheld water fixture in addition to the standard overhead one. Curtains or wide shower doors will keep the water out. By simply adding blocking to the framing in the bath area during a new project, you will be ready to
148 | November 2023
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