The first step in age-friendly renovations is replacing squat toilets with Western-style toilets in old houses. Squat toilets are one of the most significant causes of falls among the elderly. Most seniors already have blood sugar and blood pressure issues, and standing up after squatting for a long time can easily cause dizziness—in fact, even young people experience this after squatting for extended periods, let alone the elderly. The toilet should be replaced with one that is slightly higher, ideally 42-45 cm, making it easier for seniors to sit and stand up. A handrail must be installed on the adjacent wall, preferably L-shaped, 75 cm off the ground, with a diameter of at least 3.5 cm, ensuring it can support a weight of at least 200 kg. The best material is stainless steel tubing covered with a non-slip silicone sleeve.

The second step is to prevent the floor from slipping. Don't buy those anti-slip mats online; over time, they'll curl up and become a tripping hazard. If you're renovating your house, lay anti-slip floor tiles or antique-style tiles. If you don't plan to renovate anytime soon, lay anti-slip floor mats with a friction coefficient of at least R10. Make sure to install an aluminum alloy shower chair in the shower area, capable of supporting at least 100 kg. It's dangerous for elderly people to stand while showering or washing their hair; try to minimize the risk of them falling due to poor blood circulation.

Third, try to remove thresholds to prevent elderly people from tripping over uneven ground. If removal isn't possible, build a gentle slope for transition. Many renovation companies won't mention this because they think it's unsightly, but safety is more important than aesthetics.

Fourthly, here are a few very practical gadgets to install as much as possible: 1. A motion-activated nightlight. The elderly don't need to turn it on or off when getting up at night; the light turns on when someone enters and turns off 30 seconds after they leave. 2. An emergency call button, installed near the bedside and toilet, connected to children's mobile phones, providing crucial time in case of emergency. 3. A push-down door handle. This is especially suitable for doors with traditional round door handles. As the elderly's hand strength decreases, push-down door handles make opening and closing doors easier.

Age-friendly renovations don't require a lot of money, and there are even government subsidies available; you can apply through an app. If you're currently renovating your home and have elderly family members, remember these key points. The extra budget might only be two or three thousand yuan, but the peace of mind and security it brings are invaluable.