Over 60? 29 BRILLIANT home hacks and gadgets you'll love

Genius life hacks for the over 60s

As we head into our senior years, everyday tasks around the home can become more challenging. But with some fresh thinking, there is no need to abandon those home hurdles that leave us exhausted and frustrated.

From new virtual assistant technology to the familiar soap on a rope, click through these clever home hacks for the over 60s to put a spring back in your step around the house...

Invest in an adjustable bed

How we sleep has an immense impact on our overall health, so why settle for anything below par? Adjustable beds, not only make it easier to get in and out of bed, but allow the user to adjust the sleep position, which has huge benefits.

This is especially true for those who suffer from conditions like poor circulation, back problems (including sciatica), arthritis, or difficulties with breathing, according to Samantha Shann, Occupational Therapist at Oak Tree Mobility.

"That's because sleeping in an elevated position can help keep your blood flowing, open airways, and reduce swelling, which helps ease joint pain," she says.

Get instant boiling water

If you are finding it increasingly difficult to lift a kettle then it might be time to invest in a tap that gives instant steaming boiling water.

Reducing the risk of scalding accidents, the best modern taps come with built-in safety features.

Put a chair in every room

Provide a place to sit and rest if needed wherever you are in your house. The living room or bedroom are obvious places but the right chair can look just as at home in the hallway, kitchen and even the bathroom.

This comfy armchair positioned close to the bed is ideal for putting on shoes, or taking a break when getting dressed.

Keep rugs steady

Rug grippers are a good safety idea no matter what your age. Rug underlay will help prevent mats and carpet runners from slipping and sliding on all types of flooring. It will also help protect the backing of the rug to ensure it lasts longer. 

Swap to lightweight cleaners

Heavy upright vacuum cleaners can be backbreaking to push around the house. Instead, upgrade to lighter versions to get the cleaning done in a jiffy. A cordless stick is lighter and yet can have the same capacity and power as traditional vacuums.

Choose one which comes with an extra flexible wand for ease of use and can be emptied with just the push of a button.

Install bathroom gadgets

Make visits to the bathroom a dignified experience with advanced bathroom utilities, such as a toilet with bidet function. This one benefits from automatic lid opening and closing, a built-in night light, and automatic flushing and rinsing.

The bidet function provides a touch-free cleaning experience using only water and warm air. And, it can all be operated via remote control or smartphone app – how convenient! 

Open jars more easily

Opening jars and bottles can be a nightmare for those with arthritis in their hands – especially those who live on their own.

Thankfully, there are lots of gadgets on the market to make things easier, including multisized tools that come with a long handle and plenty of leverage to make opening jars a lot easier.

Install a bath lift

If you struggle to get in and out of the bath but don't want to miss out on one of life's luxuries, then consider getting a bath lift.

By simply pressing a button, you can lower yourself into the tub safely and enjoy a soak just as you have always done, without trying to lift your legs over the side of the bath and risking injury. This will help ensure your physical independence when washing for years to come. 

Take a seat in the shower

If mobility is a problem a discreet seat in the shower is ideal for those moments when balance may be an issue. 

Small yet strong, a fold-down version is practical and unobtrusive when other members of the family use the shower.

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Salvage the soap on a rope

Enjoy some bathroom nostalgia by reinstating the soap on a rope to your daily wash routine. Originally invented in the 1940s to stop soap turning to mush, the handy rope is still extremely practical.

Simply loop around the wrist while showering so if it slips out of your hand it won't go any further. You can also hang it from a hook or a tap in the shower and the same goes for your loofah or shower puff.

Swap your shower head

Did you know that simply swapping your shower head for a more efficient one could save you hundreds of pounds per year on your energy and water bills? And not only that, but a nice new shower head will give your bathroom an uplift and help you fall in love with showering again.

Look for water-saving models to stretch your pension and cut down on water wastage while still giving a full spray experience. A quick update, simply unscrew your old shower head from the hose and add the new one.

Install an innovative lift

If stairs have become a struggle but you wish to remain in your current home, then consider installing a lift to help you move from floor to floor with ease.

The right lift will blend in with your home beautifully with no need for the addition of a shaft and the high costs involved, and be adaptable to your needs.

Buy a video doorbell

Video doorbells have revolutionised home security as an affordable and effective method of monitoring callers. 

The integrated security camera allows you to view and communicate with whoever is standing at the front door while you are indoors. You can also talk to the guest when you are out via your smartphone. Some come with night vision and a security alarm. 

Go for a high back sofa

A high-back sofa will add extra support to your spine and neck making for a much more comfortable seat, especially if you have back problems. 

Look for a style that also offers strong and proportionate armrests and firm seat pads, all of which will aid you when you need to stand back up again.

Choose a cushioned headboard

As with a sofa, a high back, cushioned headboard will offer comfortable support while sitting up in bed.

Combine the upholstered headboard with a support pillow to help align your neck, back and hips, as well as improve your posture. 

Add an under bed light

As we get older trips to the bathroom during the night can become more frequent.

Make sure you can see the way by installing a motion sensor light under the bed. The soft glow will not disturb others and the timer can be set for up to ten minutes. LED strip lights would do the job too.

Slide furniture with ease

Make moving furniture easier and protect floors along the way with furniture pads.

Popping round pads under large pieces of furniture allows them to glide smoothly over carpets and floor tiles making the job much less effort. If you don't have purpose-made pads, cut out the 'cups' of egg cartons to use instead. 

Take visual memory photos

If your memory isn't what it used to be your phone camera makes a great visual reminder. This can be advantageous for several situations.

Remember how you perfectly packed up the Christmas decorations before you redecorate the tree. Or, always know what's in the loft without the effort of going up there by taking a photo of the attic. Need to remember what food you've run out of? Take a photo of the fridge before you go shopping.

Treat yourself to a heated throw

If you are worried about heating bills, then consider only heating the rooms you use regularly, and on days when it's not quite cold enough to put the heating on you could use a heated throw to cosy up under.

Electric blankets come with all sorts of different settings so you can find the perfect temperature – very useful for when you have family visiting who don't like the house quite as toasty as you do.

Install motorised blinds

Stop heaving heavy window treatments up and down by installing motorised blinds activated by remote control or smart apps. As well as the ease-of-use factor, they also reduce solar gain and prevent heat loss.

Utilise smart blinds, and schedule open and close times so you don't have to think about them at all!

Colour code keys

Ditch the hassle of going through all the keys on your keyring to find the right one by colour coding either the head of the key or by buying different coloured keyrings for each.

From your front door key to the one to open the back gate, it's a quick way of making sure that you have the right key to hand at a glance. 

Stay warm with a smart thermostat

Never go home to a cold house again with a smart thermostat. Smart heating allows you to control the heating and water in your home with a smartphone.

Turn it on or off, change the temperature and set up schedules with the connecting app. Choose to have the system set up by a trusted installation partner and they'll also show you how to use it so you can get started straight away. 

Upgrade your garage door

Make parking your car at home more convenient by installing an electric garage door. Add the remote control to your car keys and you won't have to get out of your vehicle until it's been manoeuvred safely inside.

A roller version is compact, neat and often insulated.​

Boost wellbeing with a daylight lamp

Stay alert and boost feel-good chemicals, especially in darker months with a daylight lamp.

Perfect for mornings, you'll experience a cascade of benefits, including increased focus and more restful sleep. Look out for modern designs that won't look out of place in a stylish decorating scheme. 

Indulge in a smart fridge

For those who want to embrace new technology, a smart fridge is the latest kitchen appliance to wow. Usually double-fronted they come with a display screen that allows so many functions. 

You can view, monitor and order groceries from your phone, sync digital to-do calendars and shopping lists with family members and play home entertainment. They can even suggest recipes based on what's inside the fridge!

Put a lazy Susan in cupboards

If you enjoy condiments but reaching to the back of cupboards or the refrigerator is tricky, pop in a lazy Susan as a storage saviour. Jars and bottles will become organised and easily accessible at a whirl of a wheel. 

Install some grab rails

Why struggle in your own home and run the risk of having an accident if you can avoid it? Grab rails are an inexpensive way of giving you more confidence when moving around your home. 

Think about where you might find them useful – in the shower, by the bed, or near a favourite armchair – order them in, and ask a handyman (or woman) to fit them for you.

Buy yourself a key turner

If you struggle to open jars, there's a good chance you may also have difficulty opening your front door, which is far from ideal.

Luckily, for just a few pounds, you can buy a nifty little gadget that will help you get a grip on the key when it's in the lock, which makes turning it so much easier. 

Befriend a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Home are not just for millennials. There are so many senior-friendly benefits to make life easier. 

Ask for first aid advice, listen to audiobooks, set reminders and make phone calls hands free name just a few. Be sure to sync them to light switches and the heating with additional equipment such as smart plugs to take full advantage. 

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