The middle-aged population of today has grander dreams and plans for retirement than their previous generations. They are used to larger homes and a vast majority does not intend to scale down even after retirement. The National Association of Home Builders projects statistics that new American homes are on average twice the size of what they used to be 50 years ago.

It is quite possible to live life large size even many years after retirement, if the design is well thought out. As the middle aged couples slowly become senior couples living alone after the children have left home, flexible homes that will allow them to age in place are the ideal choice. Some of the amenities that are necessary to make the transition easier are discussed below.

The master bedroom must be designed with the special requirements of older people in mind. It must be large enough for a wheel chair to comfortably move around after the furniture is in place. Same goes for the master bathroom, the shower can have a built in seat for convenience. When walls are constructed special supports should be added behind them so that grab bars can be easily installed at a later stage. It is crucial to have slip-resistant flooring.

Just as other rooms, the kitchen must also have enough room for a wheel chair. Wall ovens, microwaves at counter height, refrigerators and freezers that are side by side and height adjustable cabinets also bring in the extra convenience factor.

It is also important to provide adequate space for entertaining family and friends. At least one room can be made flexible to use as a living room, den or guest room as the occasion demands. In one storey homes, it is worthwhile considering the addition of an extra upstairs bedroom to accommodate children when they visit.

With old age, mobility may become an issue. Homes can have special accommodations to address this without the extra features being obvious. Open floor plans, and wider doorways and hallways can make the new homes easier to navigate. Smaller homes may well do with bigger and fewer rooms than a larger number of small rooms.

Eyesight may also be impaired as a person ages. Oversized windows in the design will not only let in fresh air and light, but it also serves to bring in that extra light that may be required when the visual keenness decreases with age.

Zero clearance entrances will allow easy access. This is going to prove especially helpful when the folks return home after grocery shopping. Climbing steps with bags of groceries is inconvenient for people of any age. Steps leading to the next floor or the basement must be constructed wide enough to accommodate a chair lift in future.

Keep a few of these things in mind while designing a home for retirement and your retired life will be as easy and comfortable as you have always wanted.