Mobility in the Homes of Older People

Chris Kibbey

Having reached an age where many of my friends have parents with age related mobility issues, it's always sad to see how restricted several have become in their own homes. There are solutions such as having stairlifts or lifts fitted, as well as changing downstairs rooms to a washroom,etc. However, many older people simply do not have the money to invest in these changes, or are unaware of any home improvement grants that could assist them. The following survey highlights this with a figure of 1 in 6 having to avoid certain parts of their home: https://attoday.co.uk/one-in-six-people-over-60-have-to-avoid-certain-parts-of-their-home-due-to-mobility-issues-survey-finds/

If 1 in 6 older people are avoiding parts of their own home due to mobility challanges, what does this say about how we design , adapt and prioritize living spaces and whose needs are being overlooked?