Health-savvy house hunting

After decades of kid wrangling, life is all about you again — and so is your home. For many people in their 50s and 60s, an empty nest prompts visions of travel and time with grandchildren, along with thoughts of moving to a new space to optimize the next phase of life.

But house hunting later in life also brings a new set of considerations. Your needs are different now — you may want less space and upkeep, for example — and your capabilities may be different as well. It's time to consider what architectural features can make your new home a "forever home" that enables you to age in place if you become less mobile or agile. (See "Want to age in place? Tap technology.")

Perhaps you think it's overly cautious to make home-buying decisions based on changes that may never come to pass, especially if you feel vigorous and plan on staying that way. But since change is the only thing we can count on, Harvard experts say it's smart to embrace this mindset now, before a mishap at home threatens your independence.

"People really dig their heels in and refuse, and we hope whatever breaks that cycle isn't a broken hip," says Katherine Lyman, a geriatric nurse practitioner at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. "It's wise to take the long view. We're all younger in our minds. I don't see this as giving in; I see it as really solid future planning."

Choosing an age-friendly home

Home sweet home will seem even sweeter if it's also age-friendly. Cast a critical eye on the following details when you're house hunting.

Exterior stairs. Even a couple of stairs leading into a home can impede your comings and goings if you should someday need a walker or wheelchair. "A no-step entry is ideal," Lyman says. "It sounds basic, but even two stairs can be problematic for someone who can't let go of support to walk."

Interior stairs. Avoid these, too, if possible. A single-story home eliminates the problem if climbing stairs becomes difficult. But even if you do choose a two-story dwelling, there are ways around this issue. Look for a first-floor primary bedroom and bathroom suite. "Visitors and grandkids can stay upstairs," says Dr. Suzanne Salamon, clinical chief of gerontology at Beth Israel Deaconess. Any stairs should be covered with carpet and not just wood, Dr. Salamon notes. "I see a lot of people who slip and fall on nice, shiny wood floors. And make sure there's a banister — preferably two."

Lighting. Spaces that are bright and sunny not only are mood lifters, but also keep you safer. Hallways, especially, should be well lit (whether naturally or artificially).

Layout. An open, flat floor plan with wide hallways and doorways allows people to move fluidly through the home, and can more easily accommodate a wheelchair or walker later.

Kitchen. Avoid cabinets that are too high. "The last thing I want to see is an 85-year-old on a step stool reaching up to get a chafing dish," Lyman says.

Another small but pivotal detail: the placement of the dishwasher. It's ideal if this appliance is situated in a corner, so you don't have to navigate around it repeatedly when it's being filled or emptied. "When the door is down, people bang their legs into it," Lyman says. "I can't tell you how many leg injuries I've seen."

Bathroom. With its slick surfaces, the bathroom is the site of a large proportion of home falls. But perhaps the biggest hazard is a bathtub-shower combo that requires you to climb in and out. "Have the lowest possible step up into the shower," Dr. Salamon advises, "and make sure there's room enough for a shower chair."

Location, location, location

What's outside and nearby can be just as important as what's inside a dwelling. With this in mind, Harvard experts suggest strategies to home in on a sound choice.

Aim for amenities. Aging in place is easier if you're near health care facilities, stores, pharmacies, and parks to walk and relax in. "You need to anticipate that you may not be able to drive later on, or may not want to drive at night," Dr. Salamon says.

Prioritize interaction. Look for a vibrant community that expands social options even if you're not venturing far, such as a 55-plus neighborhood with a fitness center and clubhouse. "For people who like getting together, that creates a built-in social life," Salamon says.

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