Topic: aging gracefully

While life in an assisted living community can be convenient as well as luxurious, 80 to 90 percent of people actually prefer to reside in their own homes for as long as possible as they age.

Although it may be intimidating to consider aging in your own home if it wasn’t designed for long-term care, there are many options, both temporary and permanent, that can help you stay in your home well past retirement.

Read on for 5 simple home updates that can help you or your loved ones maintain independent living safely and comfortably.

Aging in place is "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level," as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a concept that many people would rather push aside and deal with later because, let's face it, nobody wants to think about growing old.