Retirement is an emotionally complicated transition therefore, a retired couple’s abode ought to be a mirrored image of who they’re and their journey till this level of life i.e. an area the place they will calm down and unwind for the remainder of their lives. Additionally, as they’re getting into the previous age, particular measures ought to be taken to present them a cushty area the place they will dwell the remainder of their lives fortunately.
A retired couple’s dwelling requires important design and performance adjustments because the age limits the motion and magnifies the chance therefore, issues like reaching excessive cabinets, getting up from low seating and even climbing the steps might be daunting, if not painful. Senior residents require a house that has accessibility, security and luxury and a design that lets the retired couple keep energetic inside their dwelling is important for his or her bodily and psychological well-being.
In an interview with HT Life-style, Abhinav Gupta, Principal Architect at Extra Edge Architects, shared, “For a retired couple, it’s the starting of previous age and limitations for supply for earnings. The couple ought to have a house which is free from upkeep, supplies used ought to be pocket pleasant and may have amenities which might grow to be companion to make their motion and life hustle free.”
He advised, “A few of these might be finished by holding residential passages free from obstacles like furnitures, low objects, instruments and so forth, vast corridors sufficient for the circulation of a wheelchair and two individuals strolling side-by-side, seize bars in loos and corridors. Loos might be very harmful. They need to be put in with anti-slipping flooring. As on this age there’s troublesome in visibly and motion, a residence shouldn’t have any furnishings which has sharp edges.”
He added, “Furnishings and cupboards ought to have an applicable peak as decrease peak furnishings might be troublesome to entry; mattress with peak such that the toes can attain the ground. One other vital side is lightings. Uniform lighting with no shadow areas and further lighting in work areas, resembling desks and counters and bedside lamps, seems to be very helpful.”
Sapna Aggarwal, Artistic Director at ANSA Structure and Interiors, suggested, “A inexperienced balcony or a backyard space is a should for his or her dwelling. Many seniors nonetheless prefer to contribute to their professions after being retired, so a house workplace or work space the place they will do it is a should. Residence safety is a serious concern for retired {couples}. Their dwelling wants sensible expertise that allows them to dwell in a safer and cozy environment. Safety cameras, burglar alarms, sensible locks, sensible geysers and fridges – all are extremely beneficial for a retired couple’s dwelling.”
Asserting that aged individuals additionally require brighter and cooler lights, she mentioned, “Scale back the yellow lights from their decor and guarantee they get loads of pure mild in addition to have brilliant lighting in each nook of the home. A protected motion should be prioritized throughout furnishings placement. Senior-friendly furnishings is very beneficial. Many corporations are utilizing expertise to make it simpler to achieve decrease cupboards and cabinets for seniors. Keep away from excessive chairs and sharp-edged furnishings. Go for gentle reclining chairs and sofas. Flooring should not be slippery and ought to be straightforward to stroll on. Guarantee your complete dwelling caters to the accessibility wants of the seniors with correct ramps for wheelchairs in addition to stairs with handrails to make sure straightforward motion.”
In keeping with Sukriti Gupta, Founding father of Sukriti Gupta Designs, some factors to think about when designing a house for a retired couple embody –
1. Deliver nature inside:
After all of the hustle-bustle they’ve been by their total lives, it’s lastly time for them to dwell fortunately and at consolation. Attempt to herald as a lot daylight as doable. Add plenty of planters all through the area. Taking good care of the vegetation may even add up as an exercise for them to take pleasure in. Make the perfect use of the balconies for them to take pleasure in their morning tea.
2. Clear ground plan:
The ground plan ought to be clutter-free and really effectively aligned for simple circulation. Introducing open areas will assist in straightforward upkeep and housekeeping. Public areas (dwelling space, kitchen, eating) and personal areas (bed room, examine, and so forth.) ought to be saved separate for privateness functions.
3. Furnishings:
Keep away from low-height furnishings& furnishings with sharp edges. Give seating all through the home. Gentle-close doorways, home windows and shutters ought to be given. Lever-style {hardware} as a substitute of doorknobs. Storage ought to be deliberate in a approach that they don’t must bend an excessive amount of. Change boards ought to be simply accessible.
4. Flooring:
Anti-skid tiles. No stage variations in ground. Keep away from steps and platforms. Keep away from lose rugs and carpets or repair them to the ground with underlays. All this stuff will forestall them from tripping.
5. Toilet Design:
Clear demarcation between dry and moist space. Deal with seize bars for simple entry. A picket bench in bathe space.
6. Lighting:
Properly-lit areas. Sufficient ambient and centered lighting for carrying their duties successfully. Movement sensing night time lights for simple motion at night time.
7. Décor:
The colours ought to be heat and cheerful to maintain them constructive always. The area might be adorned with souvenirs from their travels and photographs of their household and themselves to remind them of all the nice occasions that they’ve lived. Reminiscence boards might be positioned all through the home for placing up photographs, memos, to-do lists. The décor ought to be minimal to make it straightforward for them to take care of.