AGING IN PLACE EXPLORED

• CDC: The ability to live in one’s own home

and community safely, independently, and
comfortably, regardless of age, income, or
ability level.
• 9% of world’s population is over 65
• By 2030, it’s projected that 23.5% of the US
population will be over 65 (compared to 14.5%
in 2014)
• Aging in place is both cost-effective and
preferred, among the adults aging in place and
among policymakers.
 BEING MORTAL: ATUL GAWANDE

• Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

• Focuses on lessons that is useful to everyone, regardless of age, about
aging, life, and eventually end of life.
• ”How can we build a system that will actually help people achieve
what’s most important to them”
• Written with warmth, Gawande pleads to the medical profession
and to society to shift away from simply fighting for longer life
towards fighting for the things that make life meaningful.
• Shifting thoughts: aging and making changes to make aging easier is a
normal process instead of a sign of weakness or failure.
• Offers tips about how to make aging easier, safer. Posture
• As we get older, the lordosis (inward curve) of the spine tips your head
forward.
• Chewing when looking down = helps eliminate coughing
AGING IN PLACE IS
A DYNAMIC
PROCESS
 ENTRYWAYS

LED lights

Easily accessible mailbox

Widened doorways
 GARDENS

Kneeling pad
Raised flower gardens Ergonomic tools
Comfortable mattress
Handrail

BEDROOM
 KITCHEN

D-shaped; touch to open handle

Well-placed appliances; air fryer Reconfigured kitchen; Easi-twist
 BATHROOM

Detachable shower head

Safety strips

Grab bar, nonslip mat Bidet, elevated toilet seat

 BATHROOM CONTINUED

Shower chair and benches

 GENERAL IDEAS

Shoehorn
 TECHNOLOGY
Medminder
Smart smoke detector

Amazon Echo

Smart plug
Contact sensors
 DRIVING

Steering wheel cover

Seat cushions
Multifaceted mirrors Seatbelt extenders

Steering wheel knob attachments

 DRIVING CONTINUED

Leg lifter Handy bar Easy reach seatbelt

Gas cap wrench

Swivel seat Key holder