“You’re Only as Old as You Feel”: Redefining Later Life
We undertook research which revealed mobility, mindset and motivation play a crucial role in how people approach ageing, and how long they’re able to stay in their homes; both with and without accessibility assistance.
Staying Independent, Staying Home
- A survey of over 1,000 adults aged 50+ found that nearly one in four already face mobility challenges, including reliance on walking aids
- For those aged 70 to 89, this rises to over 40%
- Despite this, more than 70% say they want to remain in their own home for the next ten years
- A quarter worry that mobility issues might force them to relocate, especially from multi-storey homes
These findings underline the importance of designing solutions enabling people to continue living independently, without the emotional or financial toll of downsizing.
It’s Time for a New Narrative on Ageing
We need to move away from the narrative that ageing is all about decline … it can be a powerful time of growth, creativity and confidence if we allow people the support and space to shape it their way.
Later Life Success Stories
Many well-known figures are proving that ambition doesn’t end with retirement. Here are just a few standout examples:
- Iris Apfel, the American fashion icon, signed a modelling contract at the age of 97 and launched a collection with H&M at 100
- Dame Judi Dench, who remains active in film and theatre at 89
- Kazuo Ishiguro, who published his Booker Prize-winning novel Klara and the Sun aged 66
- Sir Paul McCartney, still performing around the world at 81
- Baroness Floella Benjamin, now in her 70s, and continuing her advocacy work remaining a strong and positive voice in public life
Their stories all challenge assumptions and celebrate the power of purpose, creativity and resilience at any age.
Why ‘Feeling Young’ Matters
Psychological research supports the idea that how we feel impacts how we age.
A German study of nearly 5,000 adults found that those who felt younger than their actual age experienced slower declines in physical health, especially when under stress.
In other words, age really is just a number.
Designing for Dignity and Independence
A positive mindset, supported by thoughtful design, helps create a more fulfilling, independent later life
Homelifts and other in-home mobility solutions make daily life easier and safer
These tools also provide something less visible but just as powerful: the confidence to stay active, maintain routines, and continue enjoying the home environment
We need to move away from the narrative that ageing is all about decline …it can be a powerful time of growth, creativity and confidence if we allow people the support and space to shape it their way…
