Downsizing, Part of Comprehensive Retirement Plan: Seven Home Features to Demand to Age in Place

You’re thinking of an easier, more manageable home for the years ahead. Maybe you’re in your 50s or 60s and ready to sell the big house. But downsizing isn’t simply about less square footage. It’s about creating a home that supports your lifestyle now and adapts as life changes.

The desire to age in place is strong, with more than three-quarters of Americans age 50 and older saying they want to remain in their homes and communities as they age, according to AARP research. But here’s the disconnect: the vast majority of U.S. homes aren't built to be aging-ready.

When you’re touring a property, you have to look past the fresh paint and stainless steel to see the potential "friction points" that will inevitably become problems.

This strategic search is less about futureproofing and more about friction-proofing your daily life. Every feature that reduces strain today means you preserve energy and mobility for the things that truly matter tomorrow.

“We are seeing an increase in aging in place design considerations in several of our residential projects throughout the country,” comments Jaime Matheron, principal and senior architect at Dahlin in the San Francisco Bay Area, quoted in Forbes.

Demographic factors point to an increasing number of homeowners who would like to age in place but recognize that to do so, their homes need to be able to adapt to changes in mobility that might occur over time.

There are several things to look for with an aging-in-place mindset: homes that ease daily life today and avoid becoming a burden later.

Why Downsizing With Aging in Place in Mind Matters

As you and your partner move into later decades, the ideal home evolves. It’s not just “cute and cozy.” It’s about comfort, safety, independence, and avoiding a future forced move.

Research shows that designing or choosing a home with accessibility and future-proofing in mind helps preserve quality of life. For example, one systematic review found that home modifications for aging in place helped support functional independence and improved quality of life.

The reality is that aging often brings chronic health conditions and mobility challenges. Even if you stay healthy, age-related frailty can make navigating your own home more difficult and even dangerous. As longevity increases, so does the likelihood of needing long-term care.

Choosing a home where you can age in place safely can help protect your independence, reduce future stress, and maintain your quality of life. The earlier you act, before these issues emerge, the more options and control you’ll have over where and how you live.

Architects are seeing the trend. When you downsize with these principles, you buy more than a house. You buy fewer headaches, less surprise cost, and more years in a home you like — without another move down the road.

1. Single-Level Living

The cornerstone of an aging-friendly home is that everything happens on one floor. No stairs means less strain, fewer fall risks, and better mobility for the long term.

What to look for:

• Living room, kitchen, bedroom, and full bath all on one level.
• Level or gently sloping yard/porch so that even errands or outdoor steps aren’t a challenge.
• If a home has multiple levels, ensure that the master suite is on the main floor.

Be sure to consider that stairs can become a burden with subtle changes in mobility, even a temporary injury or surgery. No stairs. That’s the baseline. A single-level home cuts down the risk of falls, eliminates the daily grind of going up and down, and makes navigating the house easier if mobility changes down the line.

A flat layout gives you more flexibility now and later. A flat home layout makes laundry day less exhausting and cooking dinner with sore knees less of a production.

The goal is to age gracefully, and downsizing is often the first step. By choosing a one-level home, you set the foundation for safer, easier living. It’s not just about convenience today — it’s about preserving your mobility, independence, and quality of life for years to come.

2. Entry Without Steps or Stairs

You may not have given much thought to your front door, but for downsizing with longevity in mind, it matters, and it matters a lot as you age.

Key features:

• Zero-step or very low-threshold entry into the home (and garage if attached).
• Covered or protected porch/entry to manage weather, carry-in groceries, to avoid slipping risks.
• Exterior walkways and driveway slopes should be minimal, well-drained, and well-lit.

Even a single step into the house can become an accessibility barrier later. The goal is to live in your home safely, independently, and comfortably. That starts with your ability to enter the house safely.

Remember, you may have mobility problems today, but by your mid-70s and beyond, this can become a challenge.

3. Updated Appliances and Systems With Safety & Efficiency in Mind

When you’re moving into a smaller home and planning to stay there, appliances and systems matter more than flash kitchens.

You’re looking for reliability, safety, and lower maintenance.

Points to investigate:

• Stove/oven with automatic shut-off or simplified controls.
• Microwaves and ovens installed at a comfortable height (avoid reaching overhead).
• HVAC, water heater, and electrical systems that have been recently updated or have clear maintenance records.
• A home warranty or transferable system warranty might be worth budgeting.

When you invest in a home that already has good systems, you’ll likely save on surprise costs and disruption later. For pre-owned homes, some appliance warranty coverage may be a good fit for covering major repair costs, especially if breakdowns stem from sloppy past installations or hidden wear-and-tear.

Extended new appliance warranties can also be a good idea, as the electronics in today's appliances can be costly to repair.

4. Walk-In Shower with Seating (and Accessible Bathroom)

Bathrooms are often the riskiest rooms in a home — especially as mobility changes. Choosing a home with a bathroom designed for aging in place is a major win.

The Forbes Aging in Place Checklist emphasizes small upgrades like grab bars, curbless showers, and raised toilets, even if you don't need them right now.

What you want is a walk-in shower with a low or no threshold and enough space to sit, whether that’s a built-in bench or room for a secure shower seat. Why? Because nobody should be climbing over tub walls in their seventies. And beyond safety, it just makes bathing more pleasant. Comfort isn’t a luxury; it’s a plan.

What to check:

• A shower with little or no threshold (curbless or nearly so).
• Built-in bench or enough space to add a secure shower seat.
• Space to maneuver a walker or wheelchair near the toilet.
• Grab-bars installed or walls prepared for them.
• Non-slip flooring and good lighting.

According to AARP, one of the model lifelong-home features included no-step showers, 36-inch doorways (about 91 cm), and wide halls.

This kind of bathroom isn’t just for “later.” It makes everyday life more comfortable now and gives you peace of mind for the future.

5. Wide Hallways and Doorways

When buying a smaller home, layout matters — and how you move through that space matters. Even if you don’t need mobility aids now, you may later.

Wide hallways and doorways make a big difference. Wide openings — think 32 inches and up for doors, 40+ for halls — allow for movement that doesn’t feel cramped.

What to aim for:

• Interior doorways at least 32 inches wide (about 81 cm) or more.
• Hallways 40 inches (about 102 cm) or more, ideally.
• Open-space feel so you’re not constantly sidestepping obstacles.
• Avoid tight corners, awkward transitions, or furniture squeezed into narrow corridors.

Research says that “wide walkways and doorways” are a top recommendation for aging-in-place homes.

When you walk through a house during a showing, pull a piece of luggage or a cart through a doorway and gauge whether you’re bumping walls. If yes, it might be too tight for long-term comfort.

6. Accessible Kitchen Layout

The kitchen is the heart of your home — and for couples planning to stay long-term, it needs to work for years, not just weeks. A kitchen that works for aging in place keeps key tools at reachable heights.

Features to look for:

• Wall ovens at a comfortable height (not requiring bending or reaching overhead).
• Pull-out shelves in base cabinets so you don’t have to dig deep or stoop.
• A microwave that is placed at mid-level instead of high overhead.
• Enough floor space to move freely: at least 42–58 inches (about 107-147 cm) clearance around islands or key work zones.
• DIY or professional-ready wiring for future assistive devices.

When you downsize, you may give up some space, so how you use the space you keep becomes more critical. A kitchen designed for comfort now and flexibility later is a big advantage.

7. Low-Maintenance Exterior and Yard

One of the joys of downsizing is spending less time on upkeep. The right exterior lets you focus on living rather than maintaining. When you’re choosing a smaller home later in life, the exterior and landscape matter as much as the interior.

Markers of low-maintenance:

• Small or manageable yard (either modest lawn, xeriscaping, native plants, or raised beds).
• Siding materials like vinyl or fiber-cement (less frequent repainting).
• Composite decking or engineered materials instead of wood, which needs frequent sealing or painting.
• Gutters, roof, and major systems (HVAC, plumbing) in good shape — ask for maintenance history.
• Exterior lighting, covered porch/entry, easy features to manage snow/ice or slippery surfaces.

A recent analysis points out that homes designed for aging in place may cost less to maintain, reduce the risk of falls, and help owners avoid moving during a health event.

8. Additional Considerations Before You Buy

When you’re thinking about selling your current large home and moving to something smaller, keep these broader questions in mind:

• Location and community: Can you walk to groceries, medical care, and social activities? Retaining connection to friends and routines matters. A good home plus a good neighborhood = major win.
• Future flexibility: Could you add in-home care or support services when needed? Will you need to convert a room, or can the house adapt?
• Cost-of-ownership: Beyond purchase price, consider property taxes, utility load (smaller may = cheaper), maintenance budget, homeowners’ association fees (if applicable).
• Resale value and market demand: Homes with accessibility or aging-in-place features are increasingly in demand — they may retain value better.
• Emotional readiness: Moving from a large home you’ve lived in for many years is an emotional transition. Make sure you and your partner agree on priorities, timelines, and what “smaller” really means for you.

Planning for Long-Term Care Too

Downsizing is part of a comprehensive retirement plan that includes addressing future long-term care needs. When you need help with daily tasks, support from home care, including home modifications, will matter.

That’s where tools like Long-Term Care Insurance come in handy.

Thinking ahead:

• LTC Insurance will help cover in-home care services and facility costs if that becomes necessary.
• Using a tool like the Caregiver Directory enables you to locate in-home care and support options.
• A home built with accessibility saves you from costly moves or renovations.

Typically, you purchase Long-Term Care Insurance before you retire. Be sure to get accurate LTC Insurance quotes from a specialist who can provide options from all the top-rated insurance companies that offer long-term care solutions.

Final Thoughts: Your Move, Your Future

Downsizing doesn’t mean stepping down. It means stepping forward into a housing situation that works for you now and on your terms in the decades to come. Look for a home that’s comfortable today, safe tomorrow, and flexible five or ten years ahead.

Ask yourself: In this new home, where would I trip? Where would I struggle to carry something? Where might I feel boxed in? If the answers risk your freedom or comfort later, keep looking.

You and your spouse deserve a home that supports your next chapter. Let the move be about freedom, not preparation for a crisis.

Take-Aways

• Start your search with a checklist in hand.
• Walk through potential homes, visualizing years ahead.
• Consider location and distance from family, friends, transportation, healthcare, etc.
• Be sure you have a comprehensive retirement plan in place, including Long-Term Care Insurance.
• Note what you love now — and what you’d rather avoid later.
• Talk with your spouse/partner. And when ready, move decisively toward a home that supports the life you want.