She is quick to acknowledge that more involved projects, such as widening doorways or installing ramps, can be expensive. “Home modifications can make a whole lot of difference for an aging individual, particularly if they live alone.” “For this group of people, their home environment has a direct effect on their mental health,” Park said. However, those who lived in homes with at least one accessible feature - even something as simple as grab bars in the shower - were less likely to show declining brain function and memory loss. More than 70% lived in homes without any accessibility features. adults over the age of 65 who had at least one physical impairment. To investigate, her team analyzed 12 years of data from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study, focusing on about 6,000 U.S. Sojung Park, assistant professor in the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, led the study.īut Park wondered whether home modifications, like grab bars and wheelchair ramps, might also benefit seniors’ brain function. ![]() Researchers have long known that more handicap-accessible spaces can improve seniors’ physical health - by reducing their risk of falls, for instance. ![]() “‘When you get to your mid-90s and your house isn’t a supportive living space, you won’t be healthy physically or psychologically.’” “I’ve tried to persuade my own aging parents, ‘Do something, please!’” said Park, a study co-author. housing stock has the three most important accessibility features: single-floor living, entrances without steps, and extra-wide hallways and doorways that can accommodate wheelchairs.įor Sojung Park, an assistant professor at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work, the issue hits unnervingly close to home. lack features that make them accessible for disabled people. Many are opting to age in their homes, rather than move into nursing facilities. Seniors with disabilities who live alone show faster declines in brain function than those who live with others, according to Washington University research.īut there’s an encouraging finding: Seniors who live in homes with handicap-accessible features stay mentally sharp longer.
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