Aging in Place

While Houston remains a vibrant and youthful city in 2025, many longtime residents are beginning to plan for the years ahead. As they approach retirement, older Houstonians are considering how to make their homes safer, more comfortable, and better suited for aging in place—without getting swept up in the unpredictability of the housing market.

Rather than downsizing or moving to a retirement community, many are opting to renovate their current homes to meet future needs. In fact, according to interior design experts, more than half of homeowners completed a home renovation in 2024, with many projects focused on helping residents stay in their homes longer and more safely.

For those looking to begin this transition, here are seven recommended renovation strategies to support aging in place:

1. Widen Walkways and Doorways

Mobility becomes increasingly important with age. Homes with open layouts are typically easier to navigate, but in traditional floor plans, adjustments may be necessary.

Experts suggest widening doorways to at least 36 inches to allow for easier access with walkers or wheelchairs. In kitchens, maintaining at least 48 inches between countertops and islands creates a safer and more accessible workspace. Additionally, keeping pathways free of clutter and well-spaced can greatly improve movement throughout the home.

2. Install Continuous, Non-Slip Flooring

Falls are one of the leading risks for older adults, and flooring can make a big difference. A consistent flooring material throughout the home helps minimize tripping hazards caused by transitions or thresholds.

In areas prone to moisture—like kitchens and bathrooms—non-slip options are crucial. Pebble tile or matte mosaic tile with extra grout lines offer excellent traction. At home entryways with stairs, a gently sloped ramp can provide a smoother, safer transition indoors.

3. Move the Primary Suite to the Ground Floor

For two-story homes, relocating the main bedroom to the ground level is a major step toward long-term accessibility. It reduces the risk of falls on stairs and makes day-to-day living much easier.

This space should allow for ample clearance around the bed and furniture, and potentially accommodate medical equipment if needed. Designers also recommend placing beds near windows with pleasant views, which can improve quality of life for those who spend extended time resting.

4. Install Curbless Showers

Removing the curb from shower entrances helps create a seamless transition into the bathing area. This not only prevents trips but also improves accessibility for those with mobility challenges.

Curbless showers have grown in popularity—nearly 40% of bathroom renovations last year included this upgrade. The design pairs well with continuous flooring for an overall safer and more cohesive bathroom.

5. Upgrade Bathroom Safety Features

Several key upgrades can improve safety in the bathroom. Installing grab bars, shower benches, and handheld sprayers can make bathing more secure and independent.

A bench allows individuals to sit while showering, which is beneficial for both the user and any caregiver providing assistance. For added safety, grab bars must be properly secured to the wall using reinforced backing to ensure they can support weight reliably.

Placing grab bars near the toilet can also enhance stability in a high-risk area.

6. Improve Lighting Throughout the Home

As eyesight tends to decline with age, poor lighting can increase the risk of accidents. Bright, layered lighting throughout the home is essential. Recessed ceiling lights, pendant fixtures, and under-cabinet lights in the kitchen all contribute to better visibility.

Low-level lighting, such as LED strips along baseboards or toekicks, can softly illuminate nighttime pathways, making late-night trips to the bathroom or kitchen much safer.

7. Switch to Easy-Grip Levers and Handles

Over time, grip strength and dexterity can decrease. Replacing small knobs on cabinets with larger, easier-to-use pulls helps make everyday tasks more manageable. Lever-style faucet handles are also preferable to traditional knobs, offering greater ease of use with less effort.

These thoughtful renovations help homeowners adapt their spaces for the future—without giving up the comfort and familiarity of home. Whether preparing for retirement or simply planning ahead, these upgrades offer peace of mind, improved safety, and long-term practicality for aging in place in Houston.