Modernize for the Next Stage in Life
Thinking about how to modernize your home for the next stage of your life. Modernizing your home for the next stage of your life now, will save you the hassle of doing it when you may not adjust to changes so readily. You may have a disability or are worried because you are now a “senior”; individual. Plan to update your living space. Think about safety and accessibility for the future. Maybe your muscles and joints complain after the weather changes or a day in the garden. Think of how you can adapt your home with solutions for the future. One major key to good health and longevity is the ability to adapt. Older seniors can have one or two chronic conditions that cause physical and accessibility problems. Good health means more than no illness or disability. The ability to get around your own home is critical.
As we grow older our perspective changes. Age brings wisdom. What is important, changes. Staying active physically and mentally keeps one healthier. Minor, normal ailments are going to occur, but if one stays active, they are more manageable. Healthy seniors adapt to living a long and productive life despite illness or physical changes. Review your home and think about making changes that will allow one to stay in the home and make life easier. Do not envision a complete remodel of your entire home. For example, consider changing a room downstair to a bedroom so you can live on one floor.
Modernize your bathroom for safety, such as a walk-in tub or a zero-entry walk-in shower. There should be no steps up or down. Update your lighting so your home is well lit.
Change to energy efficient appliances and a home security system, one with motion-sensors that come on if someone approaches your home. Use modern technology to make your home more convenient for day-to-day living. Dimmer switches allow you to control lighting, so you have the right ambiance. This can also save you utility costs. Consider changing a back yard, needing mowing, to a large deck that must be treated just once a year to remain beautiful. To seniors time is precious, so not having to mow a lawn or paying someone to mow it for you saves time and money. Time can then be spent on important things.
Formal living rooms are no longer the fad. Family rooms, on an open floor plan, that flow into the kitchen create convenient living space. Non-load bearing walls can be removed to create an open floor plan, so the family room flows into the kitchen. There are also no narrow hallways to restrict access if a wheelchair or walker is needed.
Consider creating a “bucket list”; of things you always dreamed about but lacked the time and money to pursue. A bucket list is yours to create -have you always wanted to travel to other countries, start a small business, visit all 50 states? Now is the perfect time to follow your dreams or plan to do the things you always wanted to do. Retirement can be the bucket list you need to accomplish your dreams. Discover what is next and pursue it with passion.
A bucket list is only as good as your intent. Write down what you would like to do in retirement and hold yourself accountable. There is satisfaction in knowing you have accomplished what you set out to do. Be willing to adapt to any physical impairments so you can still do your bucket list.
Retirement can be the time to try new things: learn a language, take an art class, learn how to dance, become an amateur photographer, follow your passion so that one’s golden years are meaningful and fun. Act and do the things you enjoy.