Elderhouse: Planning Your Best Home Ever. - book review

Science News, April 5, 2003

ADELAIDE ALTMAN

A house that served you well when the children were young may not be the best environment as you age, reports Altman. It may be unsafe or simply too much work. Altman helps readers envision homes that serve present and future needs so that they can live out their lives comfortably, easily, and, most importantly, independently. She "walks through" an average house from the front door to the garden to the basement, explaining how to build or retrofit safer walkways, better-lit spaces, wider doors, lower cabinets, and handy grab bars. Along the way, she provides hundreds of tips for reducing risk, from eliminating potential falls over doormats to raising washers and dryers to a more reachable level. Another section of the book tackles downsizing and making the most of a small space when you're used to having lots of room. Chelsea Green, 2002, 232 p., b&w illus., paperback, $19.95.