Luckily, more and more resources are becoming available to keep you living at home (AKA “aging in place”) – as long as possible. Here’s a roundup of some solutions to common challenges.
Universal Design Remodeling
If you’re planning to remodel, look into Universal Design principles to help keep the family home a place that works for people of all ages. Planning to change your front door? Check to make sure it’s wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Want a kitchen remodel? Lower some counters so they can be accessed while seated (and an accessible sink is a good idea, too). Grab bars are easy to add in all your bathrooms, plus lighting so stairways and walkways are easily visible. Take a look at AARP’s resource on Universal Design for other senior-friendly features to incorporate into your home — and consider bringing in a gerontologist for further suggestions.
Help From a Gerontologist
Gerontologists are specifically trained to help seniors adjust to aging. Some specialized gerontologists even run companies that help install the home modifications seniors need — and they can often provide the reassurance that families and medical professionals want to see to approve seniors remaining in their own homes.
Mobility and Transportation
As some seniors begin to cope with limited mobility, they can feel trapped in their homes. Medicare often covers the costs of walkers, electric chairs or scooters to help with mobility-on-foot issues.
Getting out of the house can be a little more complicated, but options are available there as well. Some communities offer public transportation that’s low-cost or even free to seniors, and taxi services and ride share providers such as Lyft also offer discounts. Check out transportation options for seniors to see what your neighborhood might offer.
Safety
Sometimes your concerns about safety go a bit further than having a grab bar in the shower. Consider getting an emergency alert system that can connect you to help in case of any unsafe situation. If you suddenly become ill, if you fall down and are unable to get up again, or if you feel unsafe because of something happening outside your home, all you have to do is push a button to be plugged into emergency medical personnel or other help. Some emergency alert systems work with your landline phone, while others are connected to your cell phone or household digital assistant.
Daytime Help
Many seniors only need a little help during the day to maintain their independence. Part-time caregivers can be a handy solution to help seniors who want to stay in their own home but can no longer handle housekeeping or cooking chores, or who need help running errands or handling medication. Consider adult day care as well as an option that lets you get out of the house. Respite care is also available to give full-time caregivers a break.
House-sharing and Roommates
The National Shared Housing Resource Center is a clearinghouse that provides information, referrals to local agencies, programs and guidelines on finding a housemate. The site offers a book, “Consumer’s Guide to Home Sharing” ($10). A written manual and guide for house sharers are also available for purchase. Senior Planet has covered this topic in detail (read our story here).
Technology help
And, of course, technology can go a long way to help seniors stay at home and remain independent. Besides Amazon Echo, Google Home and Alexa, the tech industry has been busy producing new technologies (some are wearable) to track movement, remind people to take medications and keep them safe. Here’s a good roundup of what’s out there.
Seniorly helps families and individuals find the right senior living options and has a wide range of articles to help (click here.)
COMMENTS
One response to “Tips to Age in Place”
Assisted living is not the only alternative to aging in your present home. Assisted living is for people who need some assistance with the activities of daily living -bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation.
Other options include independent living and 55+communities, continuing care communities, or downsizing to a one-floor home or apartment, as mentioned.
Carol King
author of “Where Shall I Live When I Retire?”
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
13 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
28
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a special holiday tour in Paris, France!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
虛擬博物館導覽
虛擬博物館導覽
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Messaging Apps
Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Hangouts, and WhatsApp.
16 events,
30
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
來聽聽看市面上一些受歡迎的健康應用程式的簡介。
9 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Come learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
12 events,
4
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Introduction to A.I.
Introduction to A.I.
Come chat with ChatGPT and learn about A.I.!
12 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Cusco, Peru!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Digital Coupon Tools
Digital Coupon Tools
Learn how digital coupon tools can help you save money!
15 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Like to know what's happening? Come learn about X (formerly Twitter)!
Fitness Apps
Fitness Apps
Learn how fitness apps can help you track and conquer your goals!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
9 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Introduction to Digital Wallets
You CAN leave home without your wallet! Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Instagram Basics
Instagram Basics
This lecture offers an overview of some of Instagram's more popular features and will give you a taste for what all the fuss is about.
11 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
我們將討論如何準備首次會議,以及成功舉辦會議的技巧。
Food Delivery Apps
Food Delivery Apps
Learn about the pros and cons, how to search for new restaurants, and how to leave a tip and rating.
16 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Sharing the news? Learn to read and check sources before sharing!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
對於新電腦的種種選擇感到困惑嗎?我們將協助您簡化,讓您能夠做出決策!
7 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Have questions about your Android smartphone?
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Facebook
Facebook
Facebook can be a great way to connect with old friends, share life updates, and join social groups. Learn more about the popular platform.
11 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
本講座將探討我們日常與物聯網交互的多種方式,並了解它如何徹底改變整個行業。
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Move, breathe and flow during this gentle, slow, flowing form of exercise
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Crowdfunding for a Cause
This lecture will give an overview of donation-based crowdfunding and explore two popular platforms used by individuals and nonprofits to raise money: GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於「如何選取一台新電腦」 講座中的疑惑。
8 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Drones
Drones
Learn why more and more drones are taking to the skies!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
0 events,
25
14 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
實惠家用網路
實惠家用網路
了解負擔得起的家用網路的選擇
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
14 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Voice Assistants
Voice Assistants
Learn about the many devices, current uses, and future implications of this exciting technology.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
30
0 events,
31
0 events,
1
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Cloud Storage
Fit Fusion Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Chair Yoga
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Fit Fusion Workout
虛擬博物館導覽
Messaging Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Money Matters
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Affordable Home Internet
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Chair Yoga
Introduction to A.I.
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
關於 Zoom 的一切
Fit Fusion Workout
Digital Coupon Tools
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Fitness Apps
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Chair Yoga
Instagram Basics
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
Fit Fusion Workout
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
Food Delivery Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Chair Yoga
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
Morning Stretch
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
eBay & PayPal
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Translation Tools
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Chair Yoga
Facebook
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Chair Yoga
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Drones
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Smartphones at a Glance
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Fit Fusion Workout
實惠家用網路
#AgeFriendly
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Voice Assistants
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Recent Articles
Recent Comments