Many people dream of owning their forever homes, imagining the design choices and personal touches that would make it truly unique. Once settled, most homeowners would prefer to stay in their homes for the long haul: A recent AARP study found that 77 percent of people aged 50 and older intend to do so. But what makes a home stand the test of time—to be equal parts beautiful, comfortable and livable at every life stage?

When considering property upgrades and renovations, it makes sense to think about sustainable, long-lasting improvements that go beyond looks to anticipate future needs—both inside and out. When it comes to the exterior of the home, there are many opportunities to elevate its look and functionality while enhancing safety and accessibility for everyone.

The Truly Great Outdoors

While time spent outdoors is great for everyone, it can prove truly beneficial in countering many challenges involved in aging. Consciously designed outdoor spaces provide opportunities to exercise, socialize and relax, promoting physical and mental well-being while enhancing quality of life. Spending time outdoors can help people stay active, be socially engaged and even lead to positive health outcomes like improved vitamin D absorption and reduced blood pressure levels, bolstering stability and helping to promote better sleep patterns.

Creating a sensory-rich, peaceful environment—complete with lovely walkways, shade, comfortable seating, soothing water features and fragrant plantings—can inspire more time spent outside and alleviate the monotony of extended indoor living. Designing for enjoyment is not just an indulgence: It’s a long-term investment in health and happiness.

Easy Entrances and Exits

According to Susan Doyle PhD OTR/L, founder of The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC, the entrance and exit is a good place to start when upgrading to outdoor spaces: “The most important thing is for people to be able to get out there safely. Ensuring accessibility is the first step—then people can think about being more creative with their space.”

Doors should open and close easily, and ideally offer an outdoor view. Thresholds should be smoothed out to avoid potential tripping hazards. Widening doorways improves accessibility while making it easier to move large objects in and out—which is always helpful. Timeless and versatile, French doors are a great long-term option. Inviting natural light into the home with a clear view of the outside, they have a minimal threshold and open wider than sliders.

Consider transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces that can help eyes adjust from artificial light to sunlight, like a patio or awning. Covered spaces like these can also allow outdoor access in all types of weather. Any updates to entrances and exits help people feel comfortable moving between their homes and the outdoors.

Step by Step

If the property has exterior steps, many safety-boosting enhancements can be as beautiful as they are functional. Railings help everyone manage stairways. Incorporating a high-contrast strip at the edge of each step makes them easier to see and navigate. Recessed, or surface-mounted, step lights boost visibility, highlight architectural details and create a lovely ambiance long after the sun sets. Eventually, ramps may be better for mobility.

Safe Pathways in All Seasons

Smooth, wide pathways—ideally at least 36 to 48 inches wide—are important to allow ease of movement. Repairing cracked or uneven surfaces and trimming surrounding greenery will help keep paths even and clear. Materials like textured concrete, rubberized asphalt, fine gravel, artificial turf or stabilized decomposed granite require little maintenance and can help avoid any potentially disorienting glare. Non-slip surfaces and gentle slopes or gradients help everyone walk safely.

Visibility is also essential. Incorporating a high-contrast edge or border highlights the change in surface between the walkway and surrounding areas. Soft, yet functional landscape lighting makes paths more beautiful and easier to navigate at night. Motion sensor-based lighting delivers illumination when needed. Integrate lighting system controls into utility areas or other easy-to-access locations to keep them out of sight but accessible when needed.

Keeping walkways free of slippery ice and snow is important in climates with winter weather. Designing pathways with a slight pitch or gradation can help direct water away from entrances and other high-traffic areas, where it could freeze and cause potential issues.

Make it Comfy

Versatile, well-placed seating encourages people to linger, rest and enjoy the outdoors. Opt for chairs with armrests and slightly higher seats that are easier to get in and out of. Include resting spots along longer paths, and use materials that stay cool in the sun and are easy to move. Cushions provide added comfort and can help make sitting less painful for those with mobility issues.

Don’t forget shade—installing pergolas, umbrellas, or even shade sails makes the space more comfortable while offering protection from the sun. Thoughtful shade placement using trees or built structures also extends the usability of outdoor areas year-round.

Gardens That Give Back

Planting a fragrant garden and installing a soothing water feature can make the space calm and peaceful. Raised beds, containers and vertical gardens are easier to tend without having to kneel or bend. These modifications not only improve comfort but also allow people to continue a beloved hobby well into older age.

Encourage interaction with nature by including handrails along garden paths or creating seating areas in strategically placed settings. Incorporating vibrant plants with strong scents can stimulate the senses and allow a temporary escape from time spent indoors.

Intentional Improvements

While general suggestions for designing accessible outdoor spaces are helpful, Doyle emphasizes that the best design is the one specifically designed for the people who actually use the space: “We can think about these general rules that make it more accessible. But when we think about individual homes, we need to think about designing for the individual.”

An intentional approach is essential when making investments that truly make sense for the long term. By imagining and incorporating beautiful, safe solutions that anticipate client’s needs both today and in the future, homes can age just as gracefully as their owners.

Sources:

Davis, Michelle R. “Despite Pandemic, Percentage of Older Adults Who Want to Age in Place Stays Steady.” AARP, 18 November 2021, updated 22 November 2022. www.aarp.org/home-living/home-and-community-preferences-survey-2021/. Accessed July 10, 2025.

Dresser, Mary, RLA ALSA. “Landscape Design for the Elderly: A Golden Plan for Aging in Place.” Earth, Turf & Wood Inc., 27 September 2018. www.earthturfwood.com/landscaping-blog/landscape-design-for-the-elderly-a-golden-plan-for-aging-in-place. Accessed 30 June 2025.

Johnson, Clare. “The Benefits of Outdoor Spaces for the Elderly.” Chicago Botanic Garden, 20 March 2014. www.chicagobotanic.org/blog/learning/benefits_outdoor_spaces_elderly. Accessed 30 June 2025.

Kontz, Jon. “Designing for the Future: How Thoughtful Landscape Design Supports Graceful Aging in Place.” Plant Design Group, 21 April 2025. plantdesigngroup.com/blog/how-landscape-design-supports-aging-in-place/. Accessed 7 July 2025.

Aging in Place—With a Gorgeous Outdoor Space