As the baby boomer generation continues to age, one of the most pressing issues facing them is the need to retrofit their homes to ensure they can live comfortably and safely in them for as long as possible. In response to this growing trend, the popular HGTV show Property Brothers has increasingly focused on helping homeowners make these critical updates. Through a combination of design, renovation, and smart technology, the show’s hosts, Drew and Jonathan Scott, are helping boomers transform their homes to fit their evolving needs.
This article explores the need for retrofitting homes for aging baby boomers, the role of Property Brothers in addressing this issue, and how retrofitting can improve the quality of life for older homeowners.
The Growing Need for Home Retrofits
The baby boomer generation, individuals born between 1946 and 1964, is the largest demographic group in the United States, comprising nearly 70 million people. As this generation ages, many are choosing to “age in place” — that is, they prefer to remain in their current homes rather than moving to retirement communities or nursing homes. The desire to age in place is not only a matter of emotional attachment but also practical considerations, such as financial constraints and the convenience of staying in a familiar environment.
However, for many of these homeowners, their homes were not originally designed with aging in mind. Traditional homes were built without considering features like wheelchair accessibility, wider doorways, easy-to-reach counters, or bathroom safety. As a result, boomers are finding themselves needing to make major modifications to their homes to continue living independently as they age.
The need for home retrofitting is not just about physical safety. As people age, their needs change in terms of comfort, convenience, and even aesthetics. Simple upgrades like improved lighting, adjustable fixtures, and smart home technology can make a significant difference in the everyday lives of older homeowners, allowing them to continue living independently and securely.
Why Retrofitting Homes for Boomers Matters
Home retrofitting is about making homes more accessible and accommodating for aging individuals. It’s a practice that aims to preserve a person’s independence and mobility, improving their ability to perform daily tasks and increasing their safety.
Aging and Mobility Challenges
As people age, they often experience a decline in strength, flexibility, and mobility. For example, seniors may struggle with climbing stairs, navigating narrow doorways, or bending down to pick up objects from the floor. Conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, and dementia can exacerbate these challenges, making it more difficult to live in a traditional home without modifications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults. Making a home safer and more accessible can help mitigate these risks, enabling seniors to continue living in their homes while reducing the likelihood of falls and accidents.
Psychological Benefits
Staying in a familiar home environment can have psychological benefits as well. Many seniors experience a sense of comfort and peace of mind when surrounded by familiar settings, and the idea of moving to an unfamiliar place can cause anxiety and stress. By retrofitting a home, boomers can retain their sense of independence and maintain a connection to their community.
Property Brothers: Leading the Charge for Home Retrofits
Property Brothers, hosted by Drew and Jonathan Scott, is one of HGTV’s most popular home renovation shows. The show is known for transforming outdated or impractical homes into modern, functional living spaces, all while maintaining the charm and character of the original design. The show has increasingly focused on retrofitting homes for older homeowners, helping them make necessary changes for aging in place.
Designing for Accessibility and Comfort
One of the hallmarks of Property Brothers is the way it blends aesthetics with practicality. Drew and Jonathan understand that retrofitting a home is not just about adding grab bars or ramps — it’s about creating a home that still feels like home while meeting the needs of an aging population. The brothers often work with their clients to ensure that changes are not only functional but also stylish, so that their clients feel good about the home they’re living in.
For example, in a typical renovation for an older client, the Property Brothers may widen doorways, replace stairs with ramps or low-threshold entries, and update bathrooms to include walk-in showers with easy-to-reach faucets. These updates ensure that older homeowners can navigate their homes with ease and confidence.
Smart Home Technology
In addition to physical renovations, Property Brothers incorporates smart home technology into their retrofits, which is becoming an increasingly important part of aging in place. Technology such as smart thermostats, lighting systems, and voice-activated assistants can make a significant difference in the lives of older homeowners. These technologies allow seniors to control their environment more easily, reducing the need for physical effort while offering added safety.
For example, smart home devices can allow homeowners to monitor their health, adjust lighting, and control home security systems remotely. These technologies can alert family members or caregivers in case of an emergency, providing peace of mind to both the seniors and their loved ones.
Key Elements of Home Retrofits for Boomers
A successful home retrofit takes into consideration the homeowner’s specific needs, preferences, and future requirements. Here are some of the key elements that make a home more accessible for boomers:
1. Wide Doors and Hallways
As mobility issues increase with age, widening doorways and hallways can help individuals navigate their home more easily. This is particularly important for those who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.
2. Accessible Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous areas in the home for older adults. To make bathrooms safer, retrofitting might include the installation of walk-in showers with non-slip flooring, grab bars, and raised toilets. These changes reduce the risk of falls and make it easier for individuals with limited mobility to maintain their hygiene.
3. No-Step Entrances
Stairways can be a significant obstacle for older adults, especially those who may have difficulty climbing. Installing no-step entries or ramps at the front and back of the home can make a huge difference, ensuring that homeowners can easily access their homes without assistance.
4. Open Floor Plans
Open floor plans are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to accommodate people with mobility challenges. By removing walls between rooms and creating open, spacious layouts, homeowners can more easily move around and interact with different areas of the house.
5. Smart Technology Integration
Incorporating smart technology can help aging homeowners with tasks that would otherwise be difficult. From smart thermostats and lighting to fall detection systems, integrating these technologies ensures that older adults can manage their homes with minimal effort and more control.
Conclusion
As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the need for home retrofitting will only increase. Property Brothers is at the forefront of helping boomers transform their homes into safe, accessible, and comfortable spaces where they can live independently for many years. With thoughtful design, smart technology, and functional updates, retrofitting homes is not just about making them safer — it’s about enhancing the quality of life for aging individuals and giving them the opportunity to age in place with dignity and comfort.
Whether it’s widening doorways, installing smart devices, or simply creating more open spaces, retrofitting is a crucial part of adapting homes to meet the needs of older adults. With the help of shows like Property Brothers, more homeowners are learning that creating a home for the future can be both functional and beautiful, allowing them to continue enjoying their homes for years to come.
