Aging at home can be great but only if the necessary home improvements are made to make it more enjoyable. Below, we will talk about the best ways to make a kitchen senior-friendly and what remodelling improvements are needed to make this happen.
Aging With Your Home
As we get older, most individuals hope that they will be able to continue living an independent life in their own home. While this might not always be the case, those who are choosing to live out their older years at home need to ensure that the house continues to allow them to live comfortably. One such room in the home that everyone can agree is often their favourite is the kitchen. For many households across America, the kitchen acts as an important hub for family interaction, entertainment and activity. However, as we get older the layout of our kitchens can become more troublesome. That is why it is important to make necessary home improvements to your kitchen as you age to make sure that you can continue to make more happy memories here.
Challenges Older Adults May Experience In Kitchens
Inevitably, old age makes our bodies change and often not in the ways that we would like. For this reason, aging at home can certainly present some challenges. Older adults need to be aware of the hidden risks that their kitchens have which can increase their risk of injuries and falls within the home.
Some of the most common physical challenges that senior citizens have in the kitchen include reduced mobility, reduced flexibility, balance problems and reduced stamina. Due to this, normal tasks carried out in our kitchens such as reaching for high shelves and cooking for long periods of time don’t come as easy to us when we are older. By carrying out some renovation work to our kitchen spaces, you can create a senior-friendly kitchen which will eliminate any hidden risks in this part of the home.
How-To Guide: Creating A Senior-Friendly Kitchen
With the right changes and tweaks, a senior-friendly kitchen is possible and it doesn’t have to break the bank either. Follow our guide below and find out how you can improve your kitchen to make aging at home comfortable and enjoyable.
Improve Lighting
One of the most important parts of the kitchen that will need improvements is the lighting. As we begin to age, our eyesight and vision can begin to decline, making it harder for us to safely navigate this area of the home. Make sure to replace all light bulbs with LEDs as these provide less of a harsh light which is easier on our eyes. Consider adding extra light fixtures to workstation areas and in storage spaces as this will allow you to find appliances easier and see more clearly what tasks you are doing. Installing accessible and easier-to-control switches such as a rocker light switch are also recommended.
Accessible Storage
Due to mobility and flexibility problems, storing groceries and appliances in hard to reach places isn’t ideal. It is important to make sure that any storage areas in your kitchen are easily accessible whether by standing or sitting position. Store important items on shelves and kitchen cabinets between shoulder and knee level. Lighter objects can be stored higher than shoulder level while heavy objects such as appliances should always be placed lower down.
Pull-out pantries are extremely useful when creating a senior-friendly kitchen for your home. As these let you see everything from a glance it means you don’t have to shuffle around to find an item that you are looking for. They are very convenient and give you easy access to various items such as canned goods and other groceries without putting too much strain on your back and knees.
Slip-Resistant Flooring
The kitchen flooring can be a major hazard for many senior citizens and is one of the main causes of falls in this part of the house. According to reports, up to one-third of the aging population fall in their homes each year.
When renovating your kitchen, choose a slip-resistant flooring option as this will reduce the risks of falling if any liquid is spilled while cooking. If you have floor tiles in your kitchen, make sure that it is grouted and textured so that it is easier to grip your feet. It is recommended that aging adults choose a porcelain tile rather than ceramic as it absorbs less moisture and is much easier to maintain.
Incorporate Rounded Edges
Many standard kitchen countertops, workstations and tables have sharp, 90-degree angles. While this may be fine when we are younger, as we age and our balance begins to get more unsteady it becomes a hidden risk. Sharp edges are dangerous as they increase our risks of getting bumps, bruises or cuts. That is why senior-friendly kitchens should incorporate rounded edges. By choosing furniture and appliances with rounded edges it makes manoeuvring around your kitchen hassle-free and lessens the risks of any injuries if you do happen to stumble.
Living In Comfort: Happily Aging In Place
We all want to live comfortably in our homes in our later years but sometimes we need to ensure our home is safe and accessible to do this. Naturally, when we age certain tasks will become more challenging and troublesome due to physical issues. One such task is cooking ourselves a meal. For this reason, we need to make sure our kitchens are accessible, well-lit and most importantly, senior-friendly. With a few small home changes, you can make a big difference to the comfort and quality of life you experience as a senior citizen.