Elder-friendly: How to Choose Furniture for Senior Citizens

Last updated on March 6, 2017

Selecting indoor furniture for the elderly needs to be based on more than aesthetics. Furniture choices need to take into account problems such as bad backs, weak knees, joint and muscular problems and lack of mobility and provide comfort and good postural support.

Here are some tips on choosing the right furnishings for senior citizens.

Choosing a comfy reading chair

✘ Avoid: low seats, no armrests and not backrest

✓Choose: a chair with a firm seat, armrests and a high back

Look for chairs that are easy for an older person to get into and out of. Armchairs are good as the armrests give extra leverage for those with reduced upper body strength. Choose one with firm cushion padding that’s comfortable without being too soft. Do not choose a chair with a lightweight frame that could easily topple over. Sofas should have armrests also.

Motorised recliner chairs are the best for those older people suffering from severe joint pain as the legs can be elevated to ensure good circulation. Select a chair with easy-to-use controls.

Modern indoor furniture for senior citizens can still have designer good looks but should be chosen with care.

Choosing a bed

✘ Avoid: sharp corners and carved woodwork that could cause an accident

✓Choose: a streamlined bed at a good height to get into and out of, with a backrest

A higher bed is best for the elderly so they can get into and out of bed easily. Avoid sharp corners and jutting woodwork that could cause harm.

An upholstered headboard will allow an older person to sit comfortably to read or watch television while in bed. Even better is an adjustable bed that allows the elderly person to easily adjust the reclining angle and height.

Choosing dining furniture

✘ Avoid: backless benches, sharp corners

✓Choose: high-backed sturdy chairs, rounded corners

A round dining table is the safest choice for an elderly person as there are no sharp corners. Dining chairs should be high-backed with armrests and provide good lumbar support.

For a taller person, select chairs with a deep seat, while for a small person make sure their feet don’t dangle and can comfortably reach the floor.

Whether you choose an antique dining setting or contemporary furniture make sure it is sturdy, safe and practical.

Choosing a footstool

✘ Avoid: a color that blends in

✓Choose: a bright color that is easy to see

A footstool is an extremely handy piece of indoor furniture for an elderly person who needs to prop up their legs for improved circulation.

As footstools have small proportions they need to be easily seen so the older person doesn’t trip over them. Choose a footstool in a vivid color to accommodate failing eyesight and avoid black, brown and light colors that could blend in with the flooring and surroundings.Also make sure the footstool is easy to move around. The best choice of footstool is one that slopes downwards, has a concave top or is height-adjustable for the comfort of the user.

Choosing storage

✘ Avoid: storage under the bed

✓Choose: shelving and dressers

All storage in an elderly person’s home should be at a height that is easily accessible. Avoid under-bed or hard to reach cabinets that require difficult bending and stretching in order to access them.

All drawer handles should be easy to grip and drawers should slide out with ease. Choose drawer handles in bright colors.

Make sure any tall bookcases or sideboards have a sturdy base so there is no danger of them toppling over. Solid timber such as teak furniture or oak furniture is a good choice. Transparent doors in cabinets are best to ensure an elderly person can find items quickly and easily.

When shopping for indoor furniture for your elderly parents or any other elderly person, try to take them shopping with you so they can choose the items that not only have the aesthetics they like but also provide the best level of ergonomics, comfort and safety for them.