The Home Modifications Every Retiree Should Make

View in Browser I'm not a huge fan of the term "aging in place." The concept, sure. It's understandable if retirees want to remain in their long-time homes, with their many memories, rather than relocate somewhere else. But "aging in place" is a passive term, and action is usually needed if you want to make your house easier to navigate in old age. Simple additions like bathroom grab bars can go a long way toward making you safer, and they don't have to look institutional. There are plenty of tasteful options that can blend into your current decor. Like many aspects of retirement planning, it's much better to act before there's a crisis. In other words, you want to prevent that debilitating fall from happening in the first place. Removing area rugs and improving your lighting can help do just that. Learn more about home modifications to help you or your older loved ones age in place in today's edition. Best wishes, Elizabeth P.S. If you got this newsletter from a friend, sign up here for email delivery to make sure you don't miss the next issue. To listen on podcast platforms or smart speakers, see here. SPONSORED CONTENT FROM FIDELITY INVESTMENTS The Fidelity Retirement Score Figuring out what's next for your retirement starts with knowing where you stand today. Take the first step by getting your Fidelity Retirement Score. Get your score TIMELY RETIREMENT NEWS, INSIGHTS AND ADVICE 3 Home Renovations That Will Help You Live Independently As You Get Older Three quarters of older Americans want to remain in their own homes, according to AARP, but few are making changes that would help. Congress Wants to Make Your 401(k) More Like a Pension. Here's the Problem With That Politicians are working to pass the Secure Act, legislation that would make it easier to include annuities in your 401(k). Don't Believe These Social Security Myths You could be losing money by believing these myths. READER INSIGHTS A reader responded to our aging-in-place article with this helpful tidbit: A cheaper option than reframing doorways to get enough clearance for a walker or wheelchair may be to replace the existing hinges with "swing clear" hinge like these: (http://wilsonbuildingsolutions.com/2014/11/18/swing-clear-hinge/). Sometimes all that you need is an additional inch or so of clearance, and these hinges could give you that additional clearance without the expense of reframing the doorway. Thank you for the tip! RETIREMENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB Don't Bet Your Retirement on a Fake Track Record Financial advisors sometimes sell their services based on overly rosy, hypothetical results. BLOOMBERG The No. 1 Most Reliable Appliance Brand in America, According to Consumer Reports Hint: it makes only washers and dryers. MARKETWATCH Helping Aging Parents With Their Money A new book aims to help facilitate difficult conversations around money. CAN I RETIRE YET? 5 Secrets of Success from Midlife Entrepreneurs You gotta be able to sell it, and other words of wisdom. NEXT AVENUE About Elizabeth Elizabeth O'Brien is a senior writer at MONEY, covering retirement and health care. You can email her at elizabeth.o'brien@moneymail.com and follow her on Twitter at @elizobrien. To Unsubscribe You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to this newsletter from MONEY.com. Unsubscribe here. Privacy Policy Please read our Privacy Policy. California Privacy Rights Please read our California Privacy Rights. Terms of Service Please read our Terms of Service. MONEY may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For Further Communication Please email Editor@moneymail.com Meredith Corporation 1716 Locust Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Connect with Money Find Money on Facebook Follow Money on Twitter Subscribe to more MONEY Newsletters