A Study of Stairs in the Housing of Independently-Living Elderly People

Abstract

This survey study focuses on stairs in the homes of a substantial number of independently living elderly (60+) residents of a community in which there are mostly multistory houses and apartment buildings with stairs. While the majority could climb their stairs without problems, a substantial minority lived with stairs despite difficulty and even inability in climbing them. Most people were satisfied with their homes, and many were unwilling to admit that stairs were a present or potential problem. Most people, including most with stair problems, had no plans to move from their homes, however a majority was willing to concede under questioning that stair-free living in a presently unplanned next home would be desirable. There is a plea that stairs be of increased concern in the housing of elderly people, and that there be increased planning for stair-free homes.