You don’t need to hop on a plane or book a luxury resort to enjoy a relaxing summer vacation. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can transform your own home into a bright, breezy retreat that promotes relaxation, comfort, and senior summer wellness.
Creating an at-home summer staycation is about both aesthetics and functionality. With just a few simple senior home modifications, you’ll boost comfort, increase accessibility, and create a cozy space that supports aging in place throughout the season.
Keep reading for 9 easy ways to make your home feel like a relaxing senior summer wellness retreat.
1. Let in Natural Light
Improving the lighting in your space is one of the simplest yet most powerful senior home modifications. Sunshine is nature’s mood booster and a key ingredient for senior summer wellness. Exposure to natural light can boost mood, energy, sleep, and cognitive health. It also improves visibility to help prevent trips and falls.
Try these lighting tips to transform your space into a bright and inviting senior summer wellness retreat:
- Open the blinds during the day to let in natural sunlight.
- Swap dark, heavy drapes with sheer or light-filtering curtains.
- Install sheer or solar shades to reduce glare while keeping rooms bright.
- Hang mirrors strategically to reflect light and make your room feel more spacious.
- Add extra light fixtures in dim areas, especially hallways and stairwells.
- Consider motion-activated or smart lighting for better safety and convenience.
- Use GoGo Home Services to connect with trusted handymen who can help make senior home modifications to brighten your space, like installing new lighting, hanging curtains, or rearranging furniture.
2. Bring the Outdoors Inside
A dose of fresh air and greenery can do wonders for senior summer wellness. Creating a smooth indoor-outdoor connection brings in light, movement, and calm. Here are some simple senior home modifications to bring the outdoors inside:
- Create a small seating area on your porch, patio, or balcony for sunny morning coffees or evening book club. Use comfortable seating, an umbrella, and a fan to stay comfortable and cool.
- Install screens or breezy curtains over windows and doors to allow airflow while keeping out bugs.
- Use potted plants or flowers to bring color and life inside.
- Hire a gardener through GoGo Home to plant gorgeous, low-maintenance shrubs or flowers for easy upkeep.
- Choose lightweight outdoor furniture that’s safe and easy to move.
These small senior home modifications improve mental health, support mobility, and add instant vacation vibes to your home.
3. Stay Cool
Hot temperatures can take their toll, especially for older adults who dehydrate more quickly. Staying cool is essential for senior summer wellness, and just a few easy senior home modifications can help:
- Install ceiling fans to circulate air.
- Seal window gaps and insulate doors to keep hot air out and cool air in.
- Use thermal or reflective curtains to block heat while still allowing light.
- Run air purifiers or dehumidifiers to keep air fresh and breathable.
- Book an HVAC tune-up through GoGo Home to ensure your air conditioner is in tip-top shape.
4. Simplify Your Space
Senior summer wellness retreats are all about simplicity. A calm, uncluttered home feels more peaceful, breezy, and relaxing. And it’s not just about aesthetics. Decluttering is a practical senior home modification that makes your home safer and more livable. Here are some decluttering tips that make your home safer for aging in place:
- Clear hallways and walkways to reduce tripping hazards and increase mobility.
- Donate or store unused furniture to free up space.
- Use baskets or bins to neatly organize everyday essentials.
- Work with a GoGo Home housekeeper or organizer to help declutter or rearrange heavy items.
- Keep essentials within reach to reduce bending or stretching.
- Get more decluttering tips here.
5. Freshen Up with Light, Airy Touches
Seasonal décor swaps are an easy way to refresh your home and uplift your mood. Light fabrics, bright colors, and simple textures make your space feel new and fresh. Try these easy décor swaps to make your home feel like a senior summer wellness staycation:
- Switch to breathable, lightweight bedding made from cotton or bamboo.
- Add throw pillows or linens in summery hues like aqua, white, or coral.
- Hang beachy or floral wall art to brighten your space.
- Swap heavy rugs for smaller, lighter ones for easier cleaning, movement, and airflow.
- Display bowls of fresh fruit as cheerful centerpieces.
- Use GoGo Home Services to assist with moving or hanging décor safely.
6. Bring in Summery Scents
Scent has a direct impact on mood and memory, and it’s a powerful tool for transforming your home into a relaxing senior summer wellness retreat. Fresh fragrances like citrus, lavender, and linen can instantly create a spa-like feel at home, perfect for supporting senior summer wellness. Here are some ways to add scent to your home safely:
- Use essential oil diffusers for gentle, long-lasting fragrance. Diffusers are safer than candles for aging in place because there is no open fire.
- Choose room sprays or potpourri in seasonal scents like ocean breeze or coconut cucumber.
- Place sachets or scent packets in drawers or closets for a subtle aroma.
- Avoid overpowering or artificial scents, which can cause irritation or headaches.
7. Add a Water Feature or Soothing Sound
The gentle trickle of water or chirping of birds can be surprisingly effective for stress relief and mindfulness. Soundscapes like these create a peaceful atmosphere that supports emotional health and overall senior summer wellness.
- Play nature sounds or ocean waves from your TV or speaker.
- Use a small tabletop water fountain indoors for relaxing background noise.
- Install a birdbath outside to attract chirping visitors near your window.
- Set up a small water garden on your porch or patio.
- Hire a handyman through GoGo Home to safely install water features, especially if they’re near outlets or wiring.
8. Create a Reading or Relaxation Nook
A cozy corner is perfect for reading, napping, or enjoying a crossword puzzle. It encourages daily rest and enrichment, which are key ingredients for aging in place well. Here are a few ideas to create a cozy senior summer wellness corner:
- Place a comfortable chair with good lumbar support near a window or quiet space.
- Add a small side table for drinks, books, glasses, or hobby items.
- Keep a soft throw blanket and neck pillow nearby for comfort.
- Use adjustable lighting like a reading lamp to prevent eye strain.
- Hire a handyman through GoGo Home to assemble furniture or rearrange the space to make it more accessible.
9. Make Comfort (and Safety) the Priority
The heart of any retreat is comfort, and that includes physical safety. Prioritizing comfort and safety ensures your home is properly equipped for aging in place. Try these senior home modifications to help prevent accidents and make daily life easier and more enjoyable:
- Place non-slip mats in entryways, bathrooms, and the kitchen.
- Use lightweight bedding and pajamas to stay cool throughout the night.
- Rearrange furniture to create wider pathways for easier movement.
- Install grab bars or handrails along stairways and other fall-risk areas.
- Schedule regular cleaning, organization, or landscaping help through GoGo Home Services.
Click here for more senior home modifications to make your home the perfect senior summer wellness retreat.
Ready to Make Your Home Feel Like a Senior Summer Wellness Getaway?
You don’t need plane tickets or pricey vacations to enjoy the relaxation and joy of summer. With just a few thoughtful senior home modifications, you can create a seasonal space that supports independence, ease, and joy every day.
With GoGo Home Services, transforming your home into a senior summer wellness retreat is just a call away. We’ll connect you with trusted professionals – like handymen, housekeepers, landscapers, and more – who can make your space safer, cozier, and more relaxing this summer.
Register with GoGo now to upgrade your home and lifestyle this season.