Aging in Place
And What a Professional Can Do For You
Aging in Place means living in one's home independently regardless of age or ability.
How big is Aging in Place?
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89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP).
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75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work (NAHB).
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60% of remodelers already perform aging in place work (NAHB).
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Over half of all 55+ households rate their current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (American Housing Survey).
What is NAHB doing to help the aging population?
NAHB, in partnership with AARP and the NAHB Research Center, developed the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program – the leading national educational designation designed to teach professionals how to modify homes for aging in place.
What should my home contain if I want to age in place?
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A master bedroom and bath on the first floor.
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A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang.
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Lever-style door handles.
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No change in levels on the main floor.
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Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways.
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A low-maintenance exterior.
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Non-slip flooring at the main entryway.
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An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area.
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Handrails at all steps.
What are some techniques CAPS-trained professionals use?
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Lighting from multiple directions – reduces glare and shadows.
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Light sockets with more than one bulb – redundancy in case one bulb burns out.
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Stacking closets for a future elevator shaft.
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Contrasting colors for depth perception – use a different color counter (or edging around the counter) than the floor, staining the edge of the stairs a darker color than the rest of the steps.
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Convenience shelf at an entry way to place your grocery bag while getting your keys.