Ty Pennington, host of HGTV’s Battle on the Beach had a lot of time to think about what makes your forever home when the pandemic hit. Close to 80% of homeowners worked on DIY home projects during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. 
Older Americans are still working on making improvements to fit their homes to their changing needs and circumstances. AARP, Ty Pennington and many professionals in the industry who specialize in upgrades, build-outs, organizing and aging-at-home design give expert tips for solutions on how to make your home last forever.
Project 1: Front entrance makeover
“We want our homes to adapt to our needs so we can stay as many years as possible,” says Ty. That includes entrances and exits that allow a smooth transition in and out of the property. But that “doesn’t mean you need to take a hit on curb appeal,” he says, noting that bold design statements start at the front door.
One of the biggest impacts is painting the front door with a pop of color such as yellow, orange or black. This is an easy and inexpensive way to change up your home’s curb appeal. You also want to make sure your entry is functional for an older person. Large address numbers that glow in the dark or light up is important for first responders who are coming to an elderly homeowner’s aid. Also, lever-door style handlers are easier to open for those who have trouble with their hands.
“Hiring an electrician to add lighting to your entrance and front steps might cost a little, but it feels like a million-dollar fix up,” says Pennington.
Project 2: Closet cleanup
“Too cramped, poorly lit and sometimes even dangerous” is how Tom Silva, general contractor and costar of PBS’ This Old House, describes most people’s closets after a lifetime of collecting stuff.
“Think about what’s not right with your current closet,” Silva says. Too much clutter? Set a 30-minute timer and make piles to keep, donate and ditch. Have trouble finding or reaching things? “Adding a double rod gives you twice as much hanging area, and you can hang things at your level.”
Another helpful hint is to add adjustable shelving by getting tracks for pullout shelves and sliding bins. These can be used for shoes, laundry and other items that tend to pile up on the floor. LED light strips under shelves can help with seeing your garments and a sturdy folding step ladder can assist with the top shelf items. Use removing doors or motorized window blinds that can open with a push of a button. “Closet doors can be awkward and heavy for older homeowners,” says Bellport, who recommends removing doors for universal access.
Project 3: Simple bathroom
Bathroom safety is a big issue when you are elderly. You want to have a safe bathroom but you want it to look good and be your escape space. “Keep things minimal and bright,” Nikki Boyd, home decor expert, best-selling author of Beautifully Organized and host of YouTube’s At Home With Nikki, says. A contractor can add things such as a doorless no-step shower.
“A rain showerhead installed in the ceiling — or, better yet, multiple showerheads — makes you feel like you’re on vacation,” Boyd says.
“A licensed contractor can install a toilet paper holder that’s also a secret assist bar, and a towel bar that won’t detach if you really grab it,” says Steve Cunningham, an aging-in-place specialist with the National Association of Home Builders, who also recommends a taller “comfort height” toilet that’s easier to sit down on and get up from than standard commodes.
Project 4: Grownup fun zone
“Being stuck at home has been challenging in so many ways,” says Tamara Day, designer and host of HGTV and DIY Network’s Bargain Mansions, “so why not focus on the joy?” A dedicated game area, she says, is “an instant happiness upgrade, no matter how old you are.” Whether it’s for mah-jongg with friends, Connect 4 with the grandkids or solo puzzle making, “creating an inviting, beautiful space for games and playful competition adds the best kind of value to your home.”
“Precious plates and crystal are nice, but where’s the fun if they’re gathering dust?” Instead, she says, clear part of a hutch or buffet for board games and cards. “Get rid of the ugly cardboard boxes, and put the game pieces in a beautiful storage bin made of bamboo or woven seagrass.” Or make the game the centerpiece. “For a puzzle or a big game like Monopoly or Scrabble, displaying it on a big gold tray on a table is aesthetically pleasing and an invitation to enjoy yourself.”
