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

When people think about “aging in place,” they often picture ramps, grab bars, or wider doorways. While those features are important, they’re just the beginning. Staying safe and independent at home isn’t only about how we move, it’s also about how we experience the space around us.

What does the home feel like? What sounds fill the rooms? What scents linger in the air?

Our senses, hearing, touch, smell, and vision shape our routines every day. And as those senses change over time, we often adjust without even realizing it. A little workaround here, a new habit there. But sometimes those quiet adaptations are signs that the environment needs to do more of the work, not us.

By designing with the senses in mind, we can reduce effort, restore ease, and help people stay confidently rooted in the spaces they love. Let’s explore a few ways to make that happen.

Soundscaping for Calm and Clarity

The gentle sound of a water fountain can create a calm feeling.

Too much noise can be stressful or confusing, especially for older adults. Loud or jumbled sounds might make it harder to focus or relax. That’s why soundscaping is important. This means designing sound in a space on purpose, like using soft music, water sounds, or nature sounds to create a calm feeling.

For example, a gentle water fountain in the living room can help reduce stress. Or bird sounds near the kitchen can give a sense of alertness and joy in the morning. It’s not just about blocking out noise—it’s about choosing sounds that support well-being.

Touch That Guides

Using different textures throughout the home can help identify the room by feel, like carpet in the bedroom.

Vision often changes so gradually that many people don’t even notice it happening. Instead, they start making small changes like adding brighter bulbs, avoiding dim areas, or rearranging furniture just so. These tweaks become part of a daily routine. An

d over time, what started as a simple change can turn into a complex system that takes effort to maintain.

It’s easy to say “I’m used to it” or “I have a system,” but those systems can mask how much energy it really takes to feel safe at home. That’s where design can step in to do the heavy lifting.

For example, using textured flooring can help someone know where they are by feel—soft carpet in the bedroom, smooth tile in the kitchen, or lightly raised strips near the bathroom. Lighting can also guide movement by reducing glare, increasing contrast, and clearly defining steps or thresholds.

Scents That Help

Citrus scent can help to wake up in the morning.

Smell is closely linked to memory and routines. Using scent-triggered technology can be a helpful reminder for daily tasks. For example, a lavender scent in the evening can signal it’s time to start getting ready for bed. A citrus smell in the morning might help wake someone up.

Some smart diffusers can even be programmed to release a scent when it’s time to take medicine. This small sensory cue can support memory and daily habits in a gentle way.

Small Changes, Big Impact

These sensory tools don’t require a full home makeover. In fact, many are simple to add—like changing a diffuser’s setting, choosing textured rugs, or playing calm music on a timer. They go beyond ramps and grab bars to create a home that feels good, not just functions well.

With a few intentional changes, the home doesn’t just feel familiar, it becomes easier, safer, and more supportive for daily life.