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Sometimes life’s unexpected challenges bring valuable gifts.
Recently, we met with a new couple who had been referred to us by a friend. During our Zoom conversation, we talked about their desire to age in place in their home. As we spoke, we realized they were in their early 70s. Our immediate thought was, “Good for them!”
Not because they are old enough to need major home modifications. In fact, quite the opposite. They are planning ahead.
In our work with older adults, we often find that people don’t begin thinking seriously about aging in place until they’re well into their 80s, often after a health crisis has already forced the issue. Ideally, these conversations should begin in our 60s, when we still have time, options, and flexibility.
Curious about what prompted them to start planning so early, we asked what had inspired their interest. Their answer was simple: a broken ankle.
The husband, Tom, had suffered an ankle injury that left him unable to bear weight for four months. What seemed like a temporary setback quickly became a glimpse into what daily life could look like if mobility challenges became permanent.
The experience was eye-opening.
The couple lives in a split-level home. Suddenly, stairs became a major obstacle. Moving between levels was difficult and exhausting. Doorways that had always seemed perfectly adequate turned out to be too narrow for comfortable wheelchair access. In fact, the wheelchair left scratches along several door frames.
Rather than using the wheelchair all the time, Tom often found himself hopping on one foot to get around. While resourceful, it certainly wasn’t the safest solution.
Most importantly, they realized how much stress the situation created for both of them. What if the mobility limitation didn’t improve in four months? What if it lasted four years? Or forever?
Those questions changed everything.
Instead of waiting until a future crisis, they decided to begin planning now. Their vision includes creating a bedroom, full bathroom, and comfortable living space on the lowest level of the home. The area has direct access from the garage, which is nearly at ground level with only a single step. If a ramp is ever needed, it could be installed relatively easily.
They may never need these accommodations. And that’s exactly the point. The best time to plan for aging in place is before you need it.
Many people assume that planning for accessibility means admitting they’re getting old. We see it differently. It’s about protecting independence, reducing stress on loved ones, and making thoughtful decisions while there is still time to explore options.
Tom’s broken ankle was inconvenient, painful, and frustrating. But it also provided something valuable: perspective. It helped this couple recognize potential challenges years before they might otherwise have considered them.
That’s the silver lining.
Sometimes a temporary setback gives us the opportunity to prepare for the future with greater confidence and peace of mind.
If you’re in your 60s or early 70s, you don’t need to start remodeling your home tomorrow. But it may be the perfect time to start asking a few important questions:
- Could I live comfortably on one level if I had to?
- How would I manage if stairs became difficult?
- Would a walker or wheelchair fit through my doorways?
- What changes could make my home safer and more accessible over time?
- Who could help me evaluate my options before a crisis occurs?
Planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about creating choices, preserving independence, and ensuring your home can continue to support the life you want to live for years to come.
After all, a broken ankle may heal. But the lessons it teaches can last a lifetime.
