Welcome to our “Home Sweet Home” blog series dedicated to helping older adults thrive where they feel most at ease: at home.
According to AARP’s national Home & Community Preferences survey, the vast majority (75%) of Americans aged 50 and over want to live in their current home for as long as possible.1 But this goal, often referred to as “aging in place,” is often much easier said than done.
As we age, our needs evolve, and so should our living spaces. This series will explore how different areas of the home can be thoughtfully retrofitted, modified, or renovated to promote safety, comfort, and independence. From the living room to the bathroom, kitchen to the entryway, we’ll walk through practical tips and aging-ready solutions that help make your current home yourforever home.
Whether you’re planning ahead or making updates now, we’re here to empower you with ideas and insights for aging with grace and confidence—right where you are. We’ll also highlight how tools like home equity solutions that can help fund these important improvements, so you can make changes that matter, without sacrificing financial peace of mind.
Bringing New Life to Your Living Space
Aging in place isn’t just about staying in your home—it’s about staying safe, comfortable, and confident in the space you know and love. While kitchens and bathrooms tend to get the spotlight when it comes to home modifications, the living room plays an equally important role. After all, it’s the place where we go to relax, entertain, and spend time with loved ones.
Making thoughtful modifications to your living room can go a long way in supporting both mobility and independence as you age—and even minor changes can have a major impact!
5 Tweaks for Comfort and Confidence
Here are five ways you can help make your living room a safer, more accessible haven—without sacrificing style or warmth.
- Clear the Path: Start by removing tripping hazards. Area rugs with curled edges or slippery backing can pose a real danger. Secure rugs with non-slip pads to minimize the potential for falls—or consider removing them altogether. Keeping loose items like power cords tucked away to ensure pathways are clear is also important. And if you or a loved one uses a walker a wheelchair, it’s best to ensure pathways are at least 36 inches wide and free of obstacles to better accommodate such mobility devices.2
- Rethink the Furniture: Choose firm, supportive seating with armrests to make standing up and sitting down easier. Low, overly cushioned sofas may be cozy but can be hard to get out of. It’s best to look for chairs with seat heights around 18 to 20 inches.3 You may also consider rearranging your furniture to allow for smooth movement throughout the room—especially between seating areas and exits.
- Light it Up: Good lighting is a key element of fall prevention. If possible, use natural light by keeping window coverings light and easy to open. Adding layered lighting—a mix of ambient (overhead), task (reading lamps), and accent lighting—can be a game changer. Consider installing rocker-style light switches, motion-sensor lighting, or even Wi-Fi-enabled smart lights to make illumination more accessible, day and night.
- Embrace Smart Technology: Speaking of smart lights—technology can support aging in place in subtle but powerful ways. Smart plugs can control various home electronics via voice commands or your smartphone. And enhanced safety options like fall-detection sensors or emergency response systems can be placed discreetly. Even voice assistants can offer reminders for medications, appointments, and more.
- Incorporate Safety-First Accessories: Add grab bars disguised as decor—like attractive rails near recliners—or choose sturdy coffee tables with rounded edges. Look for storage options that reduce the need to bend or reach, like side tables with drawers or lift-top coffee tables. Intentional swaps and additions like these can make all the difference when it comes to improving your safety.
Making enhancements like these to your living room doesn’t require a full renovation—just a thoughtful approach to comfort, accessibility, and safety. Small changes can make a big difference in how you move through and enjoy your space every day. And while these updates may start in your living room, the same principles can be applied throughout your home to support your independence for many years to come.
Funding Your Living Room Revamp—and Beyond
Making your home safer and more accessible doesn’t have to be overwhelming or unaffordable. Many older homeowners use the equity in their homes to pay for upgrades like these.
A reverse mortgage is one option that can help turn home equity into income tax-free4 funds that can be used however you wish, including home improvements and medical care. The best part? With a reverse mortgage, no monthly mortgage payments are required as long as you keep up with your property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance.
Whether you’re looking to transform your home, consolidate high-interest debt, cover healthcare costs, or simply enjoy your retirement to the fullest, tapping into your home’s value can be a smart, strategic move. After all, you’ve worked hard to build the equity in your home—now it’s time to put it to work for you!
Taking the Next Step
At Longbridge Financial, we understand the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to utilizing your home equity. Our team is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive guidance on reverse mortgages, so you can make the best decision for your financial future. We’ll work with you to understand your unique situation and explore your options, so you can proceed with confidence and clarity.
To learn more about how you can use your home equity to support your aging in place goals—and beyond—contact the Longbridge team today!
Up next in our “Home Sweet Home” series: We’re heading to the heart of the home—the kitchen. Stay tuned for practical tips and smart design ideas to make your kitchen safer, more functional, and aging-friendly, without compromising your financial footing.
