Many people want to live independently in familiar surroundings in their old age. It is important to consider early on which types of housing are suitable for this and how this can be achieved. Renovate, sell, rent out, move? The solution is always individual.
Mobility problems and health restrictions can make living in conventional homes difficult in old age. According to the 2024 Social Report, only one in six people (16 per cent) between the ages of 45 and 90 lived in a barrier-free home. People who owned their own homes were only about half as likely to live in barrier-free accommodation as those who rented. Detached, terraced and semi-detached houses in particular very often have steep stairs inside.
An adapted living situation can promote independence in everyday life, facilitate social community activities and enable individually tailored support services. If you want to live in your own home for as long as possible, you should make your home barrier-free, remove steps and thresholds, create sufficient space for movement, install non-slip floor coverings and ensure good lighting, advises the Consumer Advice Centre. The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers financial support for age-appropriate conversions, for example with its loan for age-appropriate conversions. Applications for investment grants for barrier reduction are currently no longer being accepted.
Sometimes, in old age, there are good reasons to sell or rent out a house, either because the property is too large and too costly to maintain or because the conditions no longer suit one's own needs. It may also be that renovating or maintaining a building proves too expensive.
Older people often want more support through communal living. Options include assisted living, shared accommodation for senior citizens, shared care flats or retirement homes. The extent of care and support offered depends on the respective concept. You can find lots of tips on living in old age on the website of the Federal Office for Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions: www.serviceportal-zuhause-im-alter.de.
Graphic: © Kerstin Riemer, Pixabay
