{"id":1979,"date":"2025-05-10T09:38:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T14:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/?p=1979"},"modified":"2025-05-22T15:36:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T20:36:02","slug":"the-2-major-obstacles-to-gracefully-aging-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/2025\/05\/10\/the-2-major-obstacles-to-gracefully-aging-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2 Major Obstacles to Gracefully Aging at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I\u2019ve been an advocate for Aging in Place Gracefully since 2006. For most Americans who are over 50 years old, I\u2019ve observed two major obstacles that prevent this reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obstacle Number One<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The number one obstacle to the 50+ is an age phobia. The negative attitude or stigma that so many attach to aging. Therefore, why would they need any home upgrades since they are not aging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, of course, we have heard the phrase, 70 is the new 50. We also are aware of the older social media influencers and the like. However, when it comes to doing upgrades in homes, the mindset is different. When it comes to ensuring a safer, more ergonomic, and functional 50+ home? Here comes the resistance. Most think these upgrades are for those old people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Believe me, I\u2019ve seen this resistance during my three decades in my interior design business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obstacle Number Two<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The second major obstacle stems from the unavailability of 50+ appropriate homes. This astounds me. There is a huge demographic out there wanting more than what is on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is simply wrong given the vast amount of info on this age group\u2019s wants and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then there are these major huge developers \u2013 no names mentioned. These developers market for the 50+ and sell a crazy amount of homes in prime areas. However, my BFF just moved to one and you know what? No curbless showers were an option, not even with an upgrade pricing. Nor could they raise the master vanities without a price increase. Nor reposition the island to accommodate their wants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is shocking to see the inadequate number of homes that meet the 50+ qualifications. Shocking! Particularly when one considers the large amount of publicity this demographic receives. Why do we not have more home options to age gracefully in livable homes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Reality of Today’s Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Allow me to share our experience. Almost three years ago, my husband and I came to a realization. Our current home\u2019s location was not where we wanted to live the rest of our days. Because we knew what a 50+ downsized home required, our search eliminated most potential homes. They were woefully inadequate to meet our needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tells me that I was correct in my book, Design Smarts<\/a>, in the chapter, \u201cWe Need a Housing Revolution.\u201d Additionally, the 50+ individual\u2019s perspective must evolve. To grasp that aging at home upgrades is the smartest avenue for them to pursue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there is always the option of upgrading one\u2019s existing home to Aging Gracefully. If moving is not desired or is not an option. But why would this be another obstacle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During decades in my interior design business, I\u2019ve made another observation. The majority of homeowners simply do not regard their home\u2019s appropriateness for Aging Gracefully a high priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was, however, very fortunate to design upgrades or homes for the savvy homeowner. The ones who were wiser than the majority of age-denying individuals. These were the ones seeking how to live not only smarter, and better, but also safer and easier. Their homes have features that usher in a wonderful home experience for years and years to come. This is the homeowner that I love!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To this end, we designed our former home. We built it to be a \u201cliving lab\u201d as an Aging In Place home. I taught classes on this subject by real-life examples in our home. We had many tours there and people would ask, why it was an aging-in-place home. It absolutely did not look like one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this is the key. We need more examples of Aging Gracefully at Home. For those individuals who are not fortunate to be in an area where these models exist. Therefore, this is exactly what my Lifesizing\u00ae message is. To educate and motivate with positive real-life examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have You Created Your Last, Best Nest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, my passion and message will always be motivating this powerful, beautiful demographic. To pioneer with me and bust open these outdated negative strongholds. To live the fabulous life we are meant to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So I ask you, is your home your friend or your foe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask yourself:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n