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Obstacles to Aging in Place: What’s Standing in the Way?
In our previous post, we explored what it really means to age in place—and how defining your personal vision for quality of life in retirement is the first step toward making empowered housing decisions.
But even with the best intentions, there are real-world challenges that can make aging in place difficult. Whether you’re a senior planning for the future or an adult child supporting a parent, understanding these obstacles is essential to creating a safe, supportive, and connected living environment.
The Top 3 Obstacles to Aging in Place
- An Unsafe Home Environment
Many homes were not designed with aging in mind. Poor lighting, steep stairs, narrow doorways, and the absence of grab bars or non-slip surfaces can significantly increase the risk of falls and injuries—a leading cause of hospitalization among older adults.
- Difficulty with Daily Tasks
As we age, everyday activities like bathing, dressing, cooking, or managing medications can become more challenging. Without the right support or modifications, these difficulties can threaten both independence and well-being.
- Social Isolation
Living alone or in a neighborhood without easy access to transportation or community activities can lead to loneliness and depression. Social isolation doesn’t just affect emotional health—it’s also linked to a decline in physical health and cognitive function.
Why These Obstacles Matter
At Forevermore Homes, we’ve worked with many families who delayed making changes until a crisis forced a rushed decision. That’s why we’re passionate about educating seniors and their families on how to plan ahead—so you can make thoughtful, proactive choices that support your goals.
As Seniors Real Estate Specialists® (SRES®) and Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), we help you identify and address these obstacles early—whether that means modifying your current home, downsizing to a safer space, or exploring senior living communities that offer built-in support and connection.
What Comes Next: The Big Question—Where Will I Live?
Understanding what contributes to a high quality of life—and what can stand in the way—naturally leads to one of the most impactful decisions you’ll face: where you live.
Your living environment can either support or hinder your ability to stay safe, healthy, independent, and connected. That’s why in our next post, we’ll explore the big question:
Should I modify my current home, or is it time to move?
We’ll walk you through the key features of a home that supports aging in place and introduce our Modify or Move™ framework to help you evaluate your options with clarity and confidence.
About Forevermore Homes
We’re the Forevermore Homes Team of Coldwell Banker, and we’re passionate about helping seniors and their families make confident, informed decisions about housing and care. Whether you’re modifying your home, downsizing, or exploring senior living options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
