July 2025
Opening
I’m going to open each newsletter with some personal AIP-related experiences and observations.
A) Last week, a bottle of shampoo spilled onto the rug just outside the shower. It was a mess. I took it away to clean later. But even though I wasn’t going to use the shower until the next day, I went downstairs right then to get an emergency backup rug to replace the messed up one. I think the same goes for any wet spill anywhere that might cause a slipping hazard. Some things can be put off, slip hazards aren’t one.
B) Two weeks ago, I had my very first incident of heat exhaustion. It wasn’t that scary although it was unexpected and not sure what was going on. And that’s why I wanted to tell people. It was hot and humid and I was doing some fairly strenuous garden work. I was fine until I started feeling light-headed and nauseous. I was fine after going inside and cooling off. But the main thing I learned after reading about this is that the older you get the less efficient your sweating function (that cools you) works.So don’t stop gardening, etc. but be watchful for any unusual symptoms and drink water before going out.
Why isn’t Aging-in-Place a bigger political issue?
1. While senior-related issues have long been given a high priority by politicians- primarily Social Security and Medicare, the term “Aging-in-Place” hasn’t gotten nearly the attention. It didn’t even make the list of the 25 top issues in the 2024 election. There may be some crossover with “Housing”- #11.
To make Aging-in-Place a bigger political issue, several key elements are crucial:
Highlight the Growing Need: Emphasize the demographic shift of an aging population and the increasing desire among older adults to stay active and remain in their homes. I think it will become increasingly evident that longer-living adults that stay healthy and active are good for everyone.
Showcase the Benefits: Clearly communicate the advantages of aging in place, including improved quality of life, independence, and potentially lower healthcare costs compared to institutional care. But beyond that, a longer-living, healthy, productive senior population is good for the economy and society as a whole. Read more about this key element here.
Share Personal Stories: Personal narratives from individuals aging in place and their families can help humanize the issue and connect with policymakers and the public on an emotional level.
This is just the short list, but I’ll be regularly reporting on this question in future newsletters.
Aging in Place: It’s not just about finding someone to install the grab bars or ramps
2. 77% of Americans over 50 want to remain in their homes as they age, according to AARP. “I think it’s absolutely critical to have seniors stay comfortable in their home as long as possible, because the data shows that there are better health outcomes,” said Liz Rabban, co-owner of TruBlue Home Service Ally. “And so for all of the reasons you would imagine why somebody wants to stay in their home, I think that building the support system for them to stay where they are is important,”
For these services, she said, it’s not just about finding somebody who will perform the necessary renovations; homeowners need someone to truly understand each person’s needs.
Intergenerational living will be a major component of aging-in-place
3. The perception of senior living has evolved drastically over the years. No longer is it viewed as strictly a retirement haven or a place for elderly care. Today, senior living is stepping into a bold, new space that fosters intergenerational connections, blurs traditional divides between the elderly and younger generations, and creates a stronger sense of community for everyone involved.
This blog explores the concept of intergenerational living as the future of homes for seniors, uncovering how an innovative approach to shared living spaces can address social isolation, improve quality of life, and foster mutual support across generations.
Home elevators- a growing trend despite cost
4. In dense cities and growing suburbs, narrow lots and high land costs mean homes are going vertical—and an elevator turns those homes (some three or four stories) into practical, age-friendly places. Townhouses now make up almost 20% of new housing starts nationwide.
More newly built townhomes are being advertised with personal elevators, especially in walkable city neighborhoods and higher-end suburbs. But the costs can be high, starting at $40,000 and they come with annual maintenance costs that start at $200. Retrofitting an elevator into an existing home can be even more expensive.
Home elevators are more common in Europe that have denser housing and fewer regulations. An alternative is much cheaper stair lifts but elevators are much more convenient in bringing things between floors. But elevators take up space that could otherwise be used for closets or livable space.
A big part of aging in place is planning ahead
5. Power outages can happen at anytime, but the most common causes of power outages are weather-related events and equipment failure. Weather, including storms, high winds, and extreme temperatures like what we’re seeing right now, can damage power lines and other electrical infrastructure.
Especially, when they happen at night, they can turn an inconvenience into a tragedy for a person trying to walk around in total darkness. The power in my house went out last night. The only reason I woke was it was unbearably hot. Fortunately, I had a flashlight close to my bed and battery-operated motion-detector light to help me to the cooler downstairs. Phones can have a flashlight app too. Flashlights can plug into the wall and come on when the power goes out. I bought one last week. Walking around in total darkness greatly increases fall risk.
Here are some safety tips for seniors facing a power outage.
Neuropathy- one of the top risk factors for falls of seniors
6. Falls in older adults are usually caused by a complex interaction of factors, not a single cause. But one condition that is often associated with increased fall risk is neuropathy. It is estimated that 40% of people over 70 experience some degree of neuropathy. It is most common in the feet which increases fall risk. The most common type of neuropathy affecting the feet is diabetic neuropathy, specifically distal symmetric peripheral neuropathy.
To prevent neuropathy in the feet, focus on managing underlying conditions like diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and protecting your feet from injury. This includes controlling blood sugar levels, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and wearing proper footwear.
For more on symptoms and treatment of neuropathy, click here for an article from the Cleveland Clinic.
It’s hot. Even hotter for seniors. What you can do without spending a lot of money
7. It’s July, usually the hottest month of the year. Seniors, especially those with limited mobility, and living on limited income are the most vulnerable to heat stroke. A majority of people that die from heat stroke, died in their home. And a majority of those were seniors. Many had no air conditioning at all, or were afraid to use it due to the fear of high electric bills. A few things that can help.
- Be sure no direct sunlight is coming in the windows.
- Avoid using cookstoves during the hottest time of the day.
- Window fans can bring in the cooler night and early morning air.
- A fan blowing directly on you can provide a real cooling effect. To enhance the cooling, put some ice cubes in front of the fan. You don’t need to cool the entire house, just right around you.
- Take frequent showers and wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
- Keep hydrated… and then drink some more.
- Still important to keep adequate lighting in your home. But be sure to use only cool LED bulbs, not heat-producing incandescent bulbs.
If you have other tips, let me know. For more on this subject, click here for an article from the University of Michigan- “5 Hot weather tips that could save an older adult’s life”.
Five Home Renovations That Help Seniors Live Independently Longer
8. The national median cost of assisted living is around $4,500 per month. By comparison, targeted home modifications, can cost less than six months in assisted living and may allow someone to remain at home for years.
- Bathroom safety upgrades: The most protection per dollar.
- Strategic lighting prevents falls and trims utility bills.
- Kitchen tweaks that keep you cooking safely.
- Ground-floor living eliminates the stair struggle.
- Tech solutions that extend independence.
To read more about these five home renovations from Money Talks News, click here.
Poll shows wide variation in older adults’ preparations to age in place
9. Overall, 46% of adults age 65 and older have taken steps to “age in place,” according to a new poll. This includes 31% who have made modifications to make their home more age-friendly and 26% who have already moved to a place that can meet their needs as they age. Some older adults have done both.
That’s even though most older adults polled—84%—said it’s very or somewhat likely that they’ll live in their current home for the rest of their life. This includes 80% of those who have not yet taken any steps to age in place. The new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging and Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging also show wide variation in what older adults have done, or intend to do, to make their homes meet their needs as they grow older.
Those who have disabilities, problems walking or climbing stairs, or poor physical or mental health had a higher rate of taking actions or intending to take steps to age in place, compared with those who haven’t faced these issues.
Poll shows wide variation in older adults’ preparations to age in place
10. Overall, 46% of adults age 65 and older have taken steps to “age in place,” according to a new poll. This includes 31% who have made modifications to make their home more age-friendly and 26% who have already moved to a place that can meet their needs as they age. Some older adults have done both.
More about this here from Medical Press.
A series of reports from Scientific American magazine
Healthspan: The Science of Aging Well
Science has extended the human lifespan, but our later years often bring chronic disease. But it may no longer need to be that way. Through careful reporting and expert commentary, this special report explores new paths to healthy, vital lives at 90 and beyond.
Some of the reports are:
- The Age of Aging Better
- The Healthspan Paradigm
- The Conditions that keep us from a healthy old age
- Is Human aging reversible?
- How our bodies age. System by system.
- The lifestyle changes that increase healthspan
- The healthspan economy
See them all here.
And last but not least.
I’m going to regularly close with one of my gnome stories from Gnomewood Hollow, a place where gnomes are not the spell-casters or tricksters of legend, but gentle folk whose real magic is their warmth, wisdom, sense of belonging, and connection to nature and simplicity. And since they also live a very long life, I thought it would be useful to hear some of their stories. My 95-year friend said that gnome stories can be a good way of explaining things.
The Welcoming Paths of Gnomewood Hollow
The sun dappled through the leaves of the ancient oak that stood sentinel over Gnomewood Hollow, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. Most houses in the village were charmingly haphazard, with crooked chimneys and gardens overflowing with wildflowers. But at one time, one house stood out: the Alvin Johnson residence.
For years, Alvin’s home had been like any other – quaint and cozy, with a charmingly crooked chimney and a winding, cobblestone path leading up to the front door. But then, tragedy struck. His dear friend, Barnaby, a renowned storyteller, had been injured in a firewood-gathering accident. Confined to a wheelchair, Barnaby was no longer able to navigate the uneven path or climb the steep steps leading to Alvin’s porch.
Alvin, heartbroken that his friend could no longer visit, decided to make a change. He embarked on a project he called “visitability enhancement.” With the help of his neighbors – gnomes are a community-minded bunch – he replaced the winding path with a smooth, level walkway. The steep steps were replaced with a gentle ramp, adorned with colorful wildflowers along the sides.
News of Alvin’s initiative spread throughout the village. Inspired by his kindness and the desire to welcome all their friends and neighbors, other gnomes began to “enhance” their own homes. Crooked paths were straightened, steps were replaced with ramps, and doorways were widened. And lighting was added all along the way.
The village of Gnomewood Hollow, once a collection of charming but somewhat inaccessible homes, began to transform. It became a haven for all gnomes, regardless of their mobility. And as the village became more welcoming, the flow of stories increased. Gnomes, eager to share their tales, flocked to visit their friends, and the village echoed with the vibrant sounds of laughter, conversation, and good cheer.
The oldest gnomes, with their lifetimes of wisdom and countless adventures, became the most sought-after storytellers. Everyone’s homes, now easily accessible, became gathering places for the community. And so, the “visitability enhancements” not only improved the lives of those with limited mobility but also enriched the lives of all the gnomes in Gnomewood Hollow, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community.
The End
See you next month.