FORWARD THINKERS: ADAPTATIONS FOR THE SIXTY-SOMETHINGS
FUTURE-PROOFING clearly increases peace of mind — and the adaptation that sixty-somethings like the most is an easy-access shower or wet room (31 per cent). There’s absolutely nothing hospital-like about these modern showers, which are deliberately designed to have a contemporary look, right down to the grab bars. After all, who wants to sacrifice style just because they would rather not climb over a high bath side? A discreet drop-down seat, grab rail and slip-resistant flooring will help bathers to stay steady for years to come, while still looking chic. As the bathroom is notorious for causing falls, these safety features can benefit people of any age. If you are particularly fond of a good soak in the bath, an electric bath lift can make it easier to get in and out of the water. There are also baths that have a door as part of their design, so that you can get in and out without the fear of falling.
FOR those who are toying with the idea of a mobility scooter, the latest folding 4mph models are well worth investigating, as they make days out and even travel abroad so much easier. There are highly manoeuvrable smaller versions, which can be folded to the size of a small suitcase and stored in the car boot, or taken on buses, trains and planes. And there are versions with a larger chassis that provide an extrasmooth ride through active suspension and pneumatic tyres. Most can be folded in one simple, single movement (as pictured) and require no parts to be dismantled. The ultra-lightweight lithium battery can be lifted with one finger and slots on and off the scooter, with no wires to fiddle with. A single charge provides more than 12 miles of use and most scooters can carry users weighing up to 21 stone.