Aging in Place: Home Modification Costs and What to Prioritize

The Baby Boomer generation — 73 million strong — is moving through retirement. AARP research shows 77% of adults over 50 want to remain in their current home as they age. Yet fewer than 10% of American homes have even basic accessibility features: zero-step entries, first-floor bedrooms, or grab bars in bathrooms.

This gap between intention and reality has financial consequences. Modifying a home proactively costs 30–50% less than emergency modifications after a fall or health event. And some modifications — like zero-step entries and wider doorways — add market value regardless of the owner's age.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults over 65, and bathrooms are where most falls happen. The wet surfaces, hard materials, and awkward transitions (stepping over tub edges, standing from low toilets) create a perfect environment for accidents.