One of our most important goals as a replacement window company serving the New Jersey & New York Metro region is to give our customers all the information they need to make important decisions about updating their homes. This week our Renewal by Andersen team has decided to talk about a very serious topic – aging.
By 2030, experts project there will be roughly 71 million US citizens 65 years or older. That’s almost twice as many in this demographic as there were in 2006 (37 million). With many seniors choosing to age in place (stay in their own homes) for as long as possible, it is critical to plan early.
Getting older doesn’t mean we have to settle into a rocking chair by the window to watch the world go by. Planning ahead means many of us can remain independent longer and continue an active lifestyle. Preparations include creating a network of friends, family and others to help us with things like transportation to the grocery store or the theater when the time comes to give up driving. And, modifying our homes in ways that make our environment conducive to health and mobility changes, like installing energy efficient replacement windows, can make our dwellings safer, more comfortable and easier to take care of as we age.
The decisions you make today will shape your future. So, here are a few suggestions to get you started on an aging in place master plan.
Have you heard about the independent retirement villages that are popping up around the country? These villages are not assisted living communities or subdivisions built with handicap amenities and age restrictions. They are special volunteer organizations that connect seniors who need a little help with people and agencies in the community offering services. To offset the cost of managing the organization, screening volunteers and educating both public and private agency partners, a village usually charges members an annual fee. However, most services are free, or deeply discounted compared to hiring someone to repair rain gutters, clean your home windows, walk the dog, do errands or help with daily chores.
TIPS: One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with how a retirement village works is to volunteer with an established village. Check out Community Without Walls over in Princeton, NJ, or get information about starting a senior community in your neighborhood by contacting the Village to Village Network.
Health changes and normal aging may require both minor and major home modifications. Installing handrails in bathrooms, enlarging doors to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers and replacing drawer pulls and cabinet knobs with easy-grasp larger versions all make daily living easier for older adults. Updating lighting reduces fall risks and brightens indoor spaces. It is also a good idea to thoroughly inspect your home for items that need repair or replacement now, or will in the near future: hink – roofs, appliances, HVAC systems and home windows.
A good strategy is to stage renovations, especially if finances are tight. Repair or replace items in the worst condition first, then gradually schedule new projects as finances or necessity dictate.
If you are dealing with windows that leak air and moisture, you already know your hard earned money is flying out the window every day. But, there are other ways updating existing windows can improve quality of life after retirement.
Here are a few ways that replacement windows and patio doors can help you get your spaces in tip top shape.
If you need information about getting your home ready for retirement and beyond, we can help. Just fill in the short form on this page to request more information or give our replacement window consultants a call today at (866) 609-5033.
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