Retirement presents a wealth of possibilities. In order to make the most of your ‘golden years’, you may be looking for a comfortable, practical and luxurious house for the long term.
There's no time like the present to think about the future and what you might need from your home (current or new) in ten years time. There are plenty of home modifications for seniors you can start making to enable you to stay where you are well into your later years. Smart homes for seniors are increasingly popular and simple to achieve, with several straightforward adjustments that can make your life that little bit easier.
One of the most wonderful things about retirement is having more time to spend in your garden. So why not invest in a comfortable, elegant outdoor seating area, where you can relax solo or entertain guests?
Something you can attend to right away is ensuring that access paths in the garden and from the street are clear of cracks, not too steep and won't become slippery in poor weather. Gravel is a good alternative to concrete, and comes in a wide array of sizes and colours, from plum purple to brilliant white. If possible, adapt your home entrance and your shed doorway to be step-free.
Although perhaps an ideal home would be entirely without stairs and doors, that’s often not realistic or desirable. A more flexible open-plan layout is worth considering for ease of access, as well as for the modernity, extra light and space.
When considering home modifications for seniors, plan ahead to make your kitchen as simple as possible to use in the future. A raised or wall oven limits the amount of bending you have to do with heavy dishes, while cookers and microwaves with clear displays are a worthwhile investment. Open, pantry-style food and utensil storage not only allows for easy access, but also add a chic, modern touch. You could try glass-fronted cupboards as a middle ground; utensils are out of the way, but you can comfortably see what you need.
Smart homes for seniors incorporate technology to make life simpler and more efficient. Smart thermostats are a good investment, allowing you to monitor your heating and water usage and to change settings without having to tinker with the boiler.
Some of the best smart homes for seniors incorporate the latest in security technology. To assuage worries about your potential vulnerability, invest in a security camera with features like a video live stream to your phone or tablet, motion and sound alerts, night vision and digital zoom. Motion-sensor lighting may also be appropriate, outside or inside the house. While you might find this type of lighting a little invasive in the bedroom, a hallway light, porch light or even kitchen light that's activated by movement can be a useful home modification for seniors. They'll brighten darker evenings and save energy too.
While these changes might feel premature as you look towards the exciting prospect of retirement and more 'me time', with smart homes for seniors on the rise, now is the best time to invest in comfort for your future.
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