When it comes to settling down, a consistent sentiment among older adults is that the majority would prefer to age in place. In a recent study by the AARP, up to 77% of respondents aged 50 and older said they wanted to stay in their homes for the long term. Comparatively, only 29% said they wanted to retire in a care community. 

For most older adults, this preference stems from their comfort and familiarity in their homes. However, the same study notes that up to a third of surveyed older adults would need to make significant home modifications to age in place safely. Unfortunately, such modifications are out of budget for many, making some feel “stuck in place” instead. The good news is that there are more affordable yet equally helpful home changes that need not cost too much. Given that an American Freight poll revealed that up to 32% of adults spend most of their time at home in their living rooms, it makes sense to start your modifications here. To create the perfect living room for aging in place, here are a few furnishing tips to start with:

Choose a versatile couch

A couch is the anchor of the living room and can make or break how usable the space is. For older adults, you want to ensure the couch is the perfect height and offers the right support. This means avoiding anything too soft, low, or high that may make it harder for older adults to sit down, get comfortable, and get back up. With this in mind, L-shaped couches work great in a senior’s home. Because they can be reconfigured, their sections can be rearranged to suit the living room’s floor plan and the homeowner’s needs. Need to lift their legs? The ottoman can become a footstool. Need to stretch out? The chaise can be positioned into a daybed. Having said this, choose an L-shaped couch that has higher armrests and is on the roomier side. For instance, Living Spaces’ Aspen Sterling model is a U-shaped sectional with armrests on two pieces. This allows seniors to use the armrests for stability, and the extra seating means even companions or carers have room to stay nearby. 

Use ample light sources

Light fixtures in an older adult’s home can serve style and function. As you age, the AOA notes that it’s normal to experience ocular changes, including difficulty seeing in the dark. This is apart from older adults who develop more pronounced vision issues, such as cataracts, which affect up to 20% of those over 65. Aside from this, many older adults have chronic diseases, like hypertension and diabetes, that can further impact their eyes. Because of this, the living room must be well-lit with ample lighting to avoid any accidents or discomfort. Aside from overhead lighting, add lamps, too. Table and floor lamps are usually more accessible for seniors, allowing them to tailor a room’s brightness further. An example of a senior-friendly floor lamp is the ISJAKT from IKEA. With an uplighter and reading lamp setup, this dual-headed lamp is also dimmable with easy-to-reach knobs. Just remember to tape down any cords to prevent tripping hazards. 

Consider a multipurpose table

Finally, look for side tables that are easy to move around and use for multiple purposes. Since many seniors may find it challenging to move from room to room too often, it’s best to outfit the living room with tables that can help it double as a workroom, dining room, and more. So as not to clutter the room with bigger tables that are more stationary, look into a foldable option. Crate&Barrell’s Ooni Folding Table is one such piece that can work since it’s lightweight enough to be moved about but also durable and stable so as not to collapse or wear out easily. Older adults can better conserve their energy, stay productive, and feel comfortable in a space with this kind of portable and multipurpose table. 

What tips or insights do you have about choosing the best furniture for aging in place? Your experiences and advice could be invaluable to others navigating similar challenges. If you have any questions or want to dive deeper into this topic, feel free to visit our forum. Join the conversation and share your thoughts with our community!