Aging in place used to be about grab bars and wider doorways—but as technology, urban planning, and home design evolve, so should our understanding of what it means to stay in your home long-term.
In cities worldwide, smart urban design is making accessibility seamless. Sidewalks are being developed which automatically adjust for weather conditions, crosswalk signals timed based on walking speed, and AI-driven systems help older adults navigate public spaces with ease. But why should these innovations stop at city limits?
What if we took the best ideas from smart cities and applied them to our homes, neighborhoods, and communities? First, we have to understand WHAT to look for:
✅ Future-Proof Your Layout: Look at your home with a city planner’s mindset—how does traffic flow? Are there bottlenecks or obstacles that make movement harder?
✅ Adopt Smart Technology: Consider motion-sensing lights, thermostats that learn your habits, or a voice-controlled assistant to make tasks easier.
✅ Think Beyond Mobility: Accessibility isn’t just about wheelchairs—cognitive accessibility (clear wayfinding, smart medication reminders) is just as important.
✅ Embrace a Community Approach: Cities succeed when they’re interconnected—how can you create a network of support within your neighborhood? (e.g., community check-ins, shared accessible resources).
So how do we take the evolving concept of aging in place and put them into action? Use these three points as a start!
Seamless Mobility
Some cities now use AI-powered crosswalks that sense how fast someone is walking and adjust walk signals to give them more time.
How this applies to the home: Smart lighting & voice-activated assistants can help with navigation (think “lights on” when someone enters a room).
Barrier-Free Environments
Many urban areas are phasing out stairs in public spaces, replacing them with gently sloped, integrated ramps that work for everyone—not just those with mobility challenges.
How this applies to the home: Universal design should be built in from the start, not added later—no-step entries, wide doorways, and adaptable furniture are key.
Technology That Anticipates Needs
Cities like Amsterdam and Singapore are testing AI-driven navigation tools that guide people to the most accessible routes in real time.
How this applies to the home: Voice-activated technology, motion-sensing lights, and predictive safety alerts can make a home safer and easier to navigate.
Aging in place isn’t just about making homes safer—it’s about making them smarter, more intuitive, and more connected to the world around us.
If cities can innovate accessibility at a large scale, then we should be thinking about how to bring those same principles into our homes—because true independence isn’t just about staying in place, it’s about thriving in place.
We would love to hear your thoughts— email us!
What’s one smart feature you’d love to see in your home as you age?
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