How to age in place as a senior

Key takeaways

• Most homes are not ready for aging in place, but many of the most effective modifications are low-cost and require no major construction. Only about 10% of U.S. homes meet the basic standard of a step-free entryway, a main-floor bedroom and bathroom and at least one bathroom accessibility feature.
• The bathroom is the highest-priority room, and the most impactful changes range from simple to moderately involved. Installing grab bars, adding a shower bench and applying nonslip surfaces are inexpensive starting points.
• Your neighborhood's walkability, transit access and proximity to healthcare and errands matter as much as the home itself. The village model, a membership-based network now operating in more than 300 communities nationwide, offers one way to fill the gap by connecting older adults with volunteer transportation, social activities and referrals to local services.

Aging in place means staying in your home as you get older rather than moving to a retirement community or assisted living facility.

A 2024 survey by AARP found that 75% of Americans over 50 want to age in place, but 44% believe they won’t be able to do so and need to move. But wanting to stay in your home and having a home that is set up for it are two different things. Only about 10% of U.S. homes are currently equipped to fully accommodate the needs of older adults, according to a 2020 report cited by Retirement Living.

That figure accounts for homes with a step-free entryway, a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor and at least one accessibility feature in the bathroom.

The good news is that many modifications are straightforward and affordable. Others are more involved but still far less expensive than moving to assisted living. This guide walks through what to prioritize, what it costs and how to pay for it.

Reconfiguring your home for the challenges of growing older is a challenge, said Rodney Harrell, vice president of family, home and community at AARP. A good first step is finding an expert, such as a certified aging-in-place specialist, he said. It is a designation started by the AARP and the National Association of Home Builders, he said.

These professionals can walk through your home, identify safety concerns and recommend modifications based on your current needs and how those needs may change.

But you don't need a professional to get started, Harrell said. You can begin by going room-by-room, he said. "Start small," he said. "People get overwhelmed with the idea of aging, and that is one reason people push it off."

At least one entry to your home should be accessible without steps. This matters for wheelchair or walker use, but it is also important for anyone recovering from surgery or dealing with a temporary injury. If your entries currently have steps, a ramp with a gentle slope, costing $1,000 to $4,000, according to home services marketplace Angi. A covered entryway adds weather protection and reduces the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

If your bedroom, bathroom or laundry is on a second floor, the most impactful change you can make is moving your daily living to the main level. A primary bedroom, a full bathroom, a kitchen and a living area all on one floor with no steps between them eliminates the most common source of falls and reduces reliance on stairs as mobility changes.

In a two-story home, this may mean converting a ground-floor den or office into a bedroom and ensuring there is a full bathroom nearby. If your home already has a main-floor bedroom and bath, you are ahead of most homeowners.

The bathroom is where most aging-in-place modifications are needed. It is also where falls are most likely to occur. Key modifications to consider:

Install grab bars on the shower wall, near the shower bench and beside the toilet. Modern grab bars, costing $100 to $500 each, come in a range of finishes and styles. Some double as towel bars or toilet paper holders. Grab bars require structural backing behind the wall, called blocking, to support weight safely. If your walls do not have blocking, a contractor will need to open the drywall to install it before mounting the bars.

A curb-less shower, also called a barrier-free shower, has no step or lip to cross. This eliminates a common tripping hazard and allows wheelchair or walker access. Converting a standard tub or shower to a curb-less design is one of the more involved modifications but also one of the most impactful. A walk-in tub typically costs $2,000 to $5,000, according to Retirement Living.

Apply slip-resistant strips or mats to the shower floor and any tiled areas. This is one of the least expensive and most effective safety improvements.

A bench allows you to shower while seated, and a handheld sprayer mounted on a slide bar provides flexibility and independence. Installing a shower bench costs $100 to $800 for a prefab unit or up to $1,200 for a custom-built seat, according to Angi.

A taller toilet or a toilet riser reduces the distance you need to lower and raise yourself, which is easier on the knees and hips. Installing a raised toilet costs between $350 and $800.

Doorways of at least 36 inches and hallways with generous clearances make a home easier to move through with a walker, wheelchair or other mobility aid. Widening doorways, costing $700 to $2,500, is moderately expensive because it involves reframing the opening, but it makes a significant difference in daily accessibility. Widening hallways is much more expensive, costing $30,000 to $40,000.

Lever-style door handles and faucets are easier to operate than round knobs, especially with arthritis or reduced grip strength. Replacing hardware throughout the home is inexpensive and can be done in a single afternoon. Replacing the handle costs an average of $150 per door, including labor, according to Angi.

A home that is physically ready for aging in place can still fall short if the surrounding area does not support your daily needs, Harrell said. Consider the distance to healthcare facilities, grocery stores, parks, libraries and pharmacies, he said.

One option for building community support is the village model. Villages are membership-based, nonprofit organizations made up of older adults in a defined geographic area, often a neighborhood or ZIP code, who pool resources to help one another age in place. Members typically pay annual dues and, in exchange, receive access to organized social activities, volunteer transportation, help with household tasks and referrals to local services, according to AARP's Public Policy Institute.

The village model is a growing movement, said Barbara Sullivan, executive director of the Village to Village Network, a national organization based in St. Louis, Missouri that mentors local communities. A 2025 survey by the network found that there were more than 52,000 adults participating in Village to Village Network programs, she said. There are around 285 communities in 43 states. The largest has more than 3,000 members and spans the state of Colorado.

Generally, no. Features like wider doorways, curb-less showers, main-floor primary suites and lever handles appeal to buyers of all ages. These are considered universal design features, meaning they make a home more functional for everyone, not just older adults. A home that accommodates a wide range of needs tends to attract a wider pool of potential buyers.

It depends on your lease and your landlord. Some landlords will agree to modifications, especially if you offer to pay for them or restore the unit when you move out. The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to allow reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities, though the tenant may be responsible for the cost. Talk to your landlord and, if needed, consult your local fair housing agency.

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