Designing for the Senses: How Sound, Smell & Touch Influence Aging in Place

When we think about making a home accessible for aging in place, we often picture things like ramps, grab bars, and wide doorways. But accessibility isn’t just about physical space—it’s also about how we experience our surroundings with our senses. Sound, smell, and touch play a big role in making a home safe, comfortable, and easy to navigate for older adults. By designing for the senses, we can improve quality of life in simple but powerful ways.

Sound: More Than Just Noise

Sound affects how we feel, focus, and communicate. For older adults, certain sounds can be helpful, while others can be distracting or even stressful.

Curtains absorb extra noise and help facilitate clearer communication.

• Soundscaping for Well-Being – Background noise can either calm or irritate us. A well-planned soundscape, such as soft music or nature sounds, can reduce stress and promote relaxation. In places like senior living communities or personal homes, these sounds can make a space feel more inviting and peaceful.

• Clearer Communication – As hearing changes with age, background noise can make conversations harder. Using soft materials like rugs, curtains, and padded furniture can absorb unwanted noise and make speech easier to understand.

• Smart Alerts – For those with hearing loss, traditional alarms or doorbells may not be enough. Smart home systems can provide visual or vibrating alerts when someone is at the door, when the oven is left on, or when it’s time for medication.

Touch: A Guide for Safety and Comfort

The sense of touch can help people find their way, stay balanced, and feel more secure in their environment.

Lever-style door handles are ergonomic and easier to grip.

• Tactile Navigation – Textured flooring can help people move safely through a home. For example, a rougher floor texture near stairs or doorways can signal a change in space. Tactile markers on handrails or keypads can also make daily tasks easier.

• Comfortable and Safe Materials – Soft, cushioned flooring can reduce the impact of falls. Ergonomic door handles, instead of round knobs, can be easier to grip for those with arthritis.

• Thermal Cues – Temperature-sensitive materials can be used for safety. For example, kitchen faucets that change color when water is too hot can prevent burns. Heated floors can also provide warmth and comfort in cold months.

Smell: A Surprising Way to Improve Daily Life

Scent is strongly connected to memory and emotions. In an aging-friendly home, it can also be used as a helpful tool.

Diffusers can provide pleasant scents to improve mood and spark memories.

• Scent-Triggered Smart Tech – Smart diffusers can release a specific scent at a certain time of day, like a citrus aroma in the morning for energy or lavender in the evening for relaxation. Some systems can even remind people to take medication by pairing a scent with their routine.

• Improving Air Quality – Fresh air and pleasant scents can improve mood and well-being. Air purifiers, essential oils, or natural ventilation can help keep a home smelling fresh and inviting.

• Memory and Familiarity – Familiar smells, like fresh-baked bread or a favorite flower, can bring comfort and spark happy memories, which is especially helpful for those with dementia.

  
  
  
  

Small Changes, Big Impact

Aging in place is about more than just safety—it’s about creating a home that feels good to live in. By thinking beyond grab bars and ramps and considering sound, touch, and smell, we can design spaces that support independence, well-being, and joy. Small changes can make a big difference in everyday life, helping older adults feel more comfortable and confident in their own homes.