I posted a similar question on the home decorating forum and got several replies there. If interested in this topic, you will find helpful comments on that forum so no need to respond here.

I've heard cork retains heat better than hardwood yet is durable and easy to clean -- and much better for air quality that carpet. I pictured them looking like corks from wine bottles but when I looked at samples, I am really considering them for our bedrooms. There are some beautiful options.

Go with carpet in the living/family and office. Much easier to just pull out the vacuum then mop miles of hardwood.

My mother is 85 years old and has Parkinson's, so she has trouble getting around. I am keeping her in mind with your question.

I would go with a low pile carpet, if you were my parent. It is softer for when she falls down. Mom has hardwood in her foyer, dining, and halls, and although they are beautiful, they are mostly covered with throw rugs, which are a tripping hazard, but less slippery for her. She has trouble with getting a "grip" on the floor when standing up, and carpet helps with that. Wheelchairs will run grooves in a hardwood floor.

While it is great for people to give their opinions, the original post was 3 years ago. Why people keep digging up old posts for no real apparent reason is beyond me.

I get that but most people are going to read really old threads as they generally are brought back to life by spammers!