Apart from all the travelling, new hobbies, and countless adventures you’ll enjoy, retirement is also a time to rethink your current living space. It’s a fact of life that as we age, our body also loses its strength and endurance. Staircases will be like mountains, and slippery flooring will be more dangerous than ever.
Since you will have more time & money to invest in your “forever home” by then, you’ll be able to accommodate renovations and other home improvement projects for your golden years. In preparing your home for retirement, the goal is to transform your place into one that will provide you comfort, ease of access, and security for the rest of your life.
So go and look around your home, jot down enhancements you’d like to get done, and talk to your family for assistance. To guide you in this undertaking, here are our top home improvement tips that’ll help you age in place:
If you live in a multi-story home, it’s time to quit the stairs and settle living on the first floor alone. This means relocating all amenities on one level, including the master bedroom upstairs, bathroom, and laundry area.
Depending on the space, you can either build these rooms from scratch or go the more cost-effective route of converting existing rooms on the first floor. Not only will your knees thank you for this, but limiting traffic on just one level will make your home easier to maintain and clean up.
Pro-tip: When relocating your bedroom downstairs, choose the quietest area away from traffic noise. This is because as you enter your senior years, it’ll be much harder to sleep deeply. Catch those zzz’s by doing this!
If you haven't created a personal gym yet, now is the perfect time to dedicate a space for your fitness equipment. Consider setting up a workout area on the first floor of your home or outdoors to enjoy the refreshing sunlight.
Fill this space with essential fitness equipment such as a treadmill, a comfortable yoga mat, and dumbbells designed for seniors. Having a designated fitness area will motivate you to stay active and maximise your workouts. Get started on creating your home gym today!
Prevent slips and trips by switching to slip-resistant flooring options. Consider materials like vinyl, linoleum, cork, or carpet for excellent grip, comfort, and safety. Give your legs a break from rigid floors and create a safer environment for you and your loved ones. Choose slip-resistant flooring for a secure and comfortable space.
As you age, little things– like climbing two or three steps leading to your front door – suddenly become a daunting task.
To ensure that you can step in and out of your house without hassle, you can install a ramp or a gradually-inclined walkway with a handrail. Through this, you will still be able to access your home should you need the help of a wheelchair or walker one day.
While you’re at it, you can widen interior doorways by adding in a few extra inches. Widening doorways to fit a wheelchair, set your target doorway width at 32 inches or higher.
A couple of upgrades will help you avoid fall-related incidents in the bath. A common tip would be installing grab bars in the shower, toilet area, sink, or other areas where you’d lean on.
Plus, you may want to replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower unit with a handheld shower head. This type of shower head gives you more flexibility while you bathe.
Does tech freak you out? We sure hope not ‘cause smart home devices would make for valuable upgrades when you retire. If you haven’t heard of the concept, your home becomes a ‘smart home’ when you furnish it with electronic gadgets designed to perform automated tasks when you command it.
Lights, heating, door locks, panic button and appliances can be voice-activated. Futuristic, isn’t it?
If you don’t have one yet, you may want to consider setting up a CCTV and an alarm system for you and your property’s protection. Also, don’t be shy in plastering signs that say your home is under constant surveillance. This measure shoos away potential criminals who might take advantage of your vulnerability as an elder.
Have you always wanted to paint your house a certain color but never did? Don’t let this turn into another ‘what if’ and do it! While it is recommended to choose a calming palette, the color of your forever home will be solely up to you.
You can also perform other mini aesthetic projects such as redecorating the living room with plants, spicing up a bland wall with photo frames, and placing fresh flowers in the kitchen.
Retiring at home is a wonderful way to enjoy your golden years while maintaining independence. By planning and preparing for your retirement years, you can customize your home for comfortable retirement senior living. Investing in senior-friendly features like slip-resistant flooring, grab bars, accessible entryways, smart technology, and a personal gym ensures a safe and secure space for years to come.
Don't wait - start preparing your home today! Remember, it's never too late to plan for retirement. Consult with a financial advisor to create a well-rounded strategy that protects and grows your savings. Stay informed on retirement trends and plan for future expenses to enjoy your golden years with peace of mind. Best of luck!
As your retirement draws near, may your home become a sanctuary to you in your golden years. Happy planning!