Home Improvement Archives

A tough routine brings about stress. Stress brings about (say it!) aging. While the rest of the world is turning out of your hand, you are most likely at home, savoring what's left of your weekend after a looooong week of work. You feel tired, almost suicidal, and then, when you look at the mirror, you stare in horror. You just got hold of the worst news since Hurricane Katrina; you got wrinkles. Be more than a border on your home! Beautify it! In this way, you won't be dreading every waking moment in it. Add some spice to your routine. Trust me, it will bring out the young punk in you and you will forget you're not getting any younger (well, physiologically). FILL YOUR HOME WITH GOOD MEMORIES Remember your pre-school picture where you are smothered in dirt and you still managed to flash a toothy grin? Remember your prom picture where you wore make-up even if it's against your will? They actually represent very good memories that can make you feel both nostalgic and cheerful at the same time. Seeing these memories triggers a part of the brain that recalls that memory and connects it with good moods. Everybody knows that good moods bring out the best in us. It helps us become more optimistic through life and become more productive. Come on, you know there's a lot more to think about than having a Botox injection or not. You might have heard a lot of times that to stay young, you must smile all the time. With a lot of good memories haunting your home, what's not to smile about? HAVE AN ARTSY HOME Old = boring. That's how 90% of the world sees it and you can't help but agree. Look around your home. If the dominant color is anything neutral (gray, brown, black, or white) then it's about time that you redirect your creativity. Neutral is boring. Pastels, neon linings, and bold designs spell F-U-N! If you can't remember the last time that you've been fun then you've really aged. Recollect the atmosphere of fun. However, do not mix a lot of colors at the same time. Consult with someone who is good in interior design or read interior design books to have a guide. This is important because you don't want your home looking like a daycare center gone wrong. Next, you can also consider filling your home with really good art. Put up bold paintings of local artists (local is cheaper but not necessarily of less quality). Frame good poetry on a fine quality paper with professional calligraphy. Even 10,000-piece puzzles and sophisticated cross-stitch pieces make good aesthetic treats. Choose carefully the quality of art that you put in your home. If you must, consult someone who finished a fine arts degree or even a college student of fine arts. Lastly, choose the art that you fall in love with. It should be something you can stand (and be happy) to see every single day. HAVE A STOCK OF FEEL-GOOD FOOD There are certain foods that don't feel right when eaten every day. There are also certain foods that have the marvelous capability to make you feel better after eating them. Examples of feel-good food are those which are usually eaten after a break-up, a termination, and after failing a subject. Foods such as chocolate, ice cream, cakes are also connected with feel-good memories. Consider stocking up on these foods so whenever you feel like pigging out, do so in your own home, and more importantly, do not apologize for it. That's one of the best features of youth. Hmm. Alcohol is optional too. You may not be getting younger, but hey, you can "retire" in your own home every day. Stay young, stay fun, and stay passionate about life. What is the checklist for elderly home renovation? 1. Outside the home ✓ Repairs – Any roof damage, damaged weatherproofing, rotten deck or steps, door seals, etc. should be repaired. ✓ Low maintenance landscaping – Consider replacing high maintenance flowerbeds and temperamental grasses with hardier and slower-growing grasses without a lot of lawn decoration to hamper mowing. ✓ Limited mobility entrances – Decks, patios, porches, and approaches to doorways should be wide enough to allow a walker, mobility scooter or wheelchair to pass easily. Stairs should be replaced in favor of gently sloping ramps with handrails or guardrails. These areas should also be non-slip surfaces and covered if possible. Door thresholds should not have a sudden lip or drop in height that could cause stumbling or be difficult for a wheelchair to cross. 2. Doors ✓ Doorways – All doorways should be wide enough to comfortably admit a walker, mobility scooter, or wheelchair to pass through and thresholds should be flush or gently beveled for easy transition between rooms. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a minimum doorway width of 36 inches. Widening doorways may require a contractor. ✓ Door hardware – Replace knobs/handles with lever-type handles. These require less grip, which is good for those with arthritis or grip issues. Windows 3. Windows ✓ Windows should be weather-sealed against drafts and high insulation windows installed if possible. ✓ Curtains – Any curtains or blinds should have hardware installed for easy closure and opening from a seated position if needed. ✓ Locks – Window locks should be updated for safety and ease of use. 4. Hallways ✓ Hallways – Should be wide enough for a walker, mobility scooter, or wheelchair to easily pass. The ADA recommends a minimum hallway width of 48 inches. Widening hallways may require a contractor. How to create a sweet retirement lifestyle? 1. Fill your home with good memories Everybody knows that good moods bring out the best in us. It helps us become more optimistic through life and become more productive. Come on, you know there’s a lot more to think about than having a Botox injection or not. 2. Have an artsy home Next, you can also consider filling your home with really good art. Put up bold paintings of local artists (local is cheaper but not necessarily of less quality). Frame good poetry on a fine quality paper with professional calligraphy. Even 10,000-piece puzzles and sophisticated cross-stitch pieces make good aesthetic treats. 3. Have a stock of feel-good food Foods such as chocolate, ice cream, cakes are also connected with feel-good memories. Consider stocking up on these foods so whenever you feel like pigging out, do so in your own home, and more importantly, do not apologize for it. That’s one of the best features of youth.