We also are in our 70's. We bought a house in Jan. that is a log home with a loft and 2 bedrooms/1 bath on the second floor. The first floor has the Mstr. bedroom and bath and 1/2 so if my knees got worse, we wouldn't have to use the second floor except for visitors. But - I am convinced that going up and down the stairs multiple times daily is strengthening my knees. (We also have a basement where the laundry is done so I am up and down lots.)

My knees have improved since we moved just 5 months ago.

Stair lifts have emergency power backup systems.

DF's father (early 60's) just had to go to a rehab/nursing home after having a stroke that left him unable to climb stairs. They only have a powder room on the 1st floor, so he had no accessible bathing facilities. They are hoping with rehab he will be able to do stairs, otherwise will be selling home and moving.

We lived in a 2 story home for 42 years. We are building our forever, retirement home. It is a 1 story. The stairs were not the only reason for moving, it was the huge yard and flowers, bushes etc that was a lot of upkeep. We got tired of the yard work and want to be free to travel more. If I had my preference I would live in a huge 2 story Victorian filled with period furniture, wearing period clothes! I was born a hundred years too late, I KNOW I was:)

It isn't just an age thing, accidents (broken bones, torn tendons) and other health issues (bad backs, autoimmune conditions) that can occur at any age making life in a house with stairs exceedingly difficult. Our next house, which I hope will be within the next 1 - 2 years, will be one story period.

We live in a 2 story now but in 3 weeks will be moving to a one story. I can't wait!!! No more stairs.

I'm 66 and hubby 85. We sold a large Contemporary in NY which was built on the side of a hill. Lots of stairs throughout and no problems with them. We then rented for 1 1/2 years a Townhouse until hubby retired. The Townhouse had stairs everywhere. Just to enter was a full flight of stairs...no problems.

Moved to Florida. Looked at houses for almost a year. I wanted a 2-story. Florida houses have no basements and are mostly ranches. I was so upset because I couldn't figure out how one stores anything without a basement. The attics are so hot, nothing would survive the heat.

After almost a year, we gave up on 2-stories. The insurance on 2-stories was a small fortune due to wind, hurricanes. We'd have difficulty getting insurance at all on the older homes.

So we have been living in a Florida ranch. Is it easier? Yes. Hubby now has problems with his legs (I feel its because he hasn't done stairs in 2 years!), but docs say, no.

So, I guess its the best choice as you age. I just heard from a friend in NY that my neighbor fell backward down the stairs carrying laundry up the stairs. Broke her back and is now in a nursing home. As far as I know, she had no health reasons for her fall. Her house was on the market and she was planning to move near her daughter. Very sad.

Jane

Thank you all, for your comments. It's very interesting to me that some of you feel the exercise you get from climbing stairs outweighs any safety concerns with them as we age. For me personally, I have knee issues, and since I know it's not going to get any better until it gets worse (with knee replacement), buying a two story doesn't seem to make sense to us. But, I've always loved big old houses, so it makes me kind of sad knowing that's behind us, now. Sometimes I wish I could be Benjamin Button ;)

" It's very interesting to me that some of you feel the exercise you get
from climbing stairs outweighs any safety concerns with them as we age."

Oh, I have safety concerns- I am very mindful when going up or down stairs. I have made it a habit never to run up or down without paying attention to what I am doing or trying to carry too much to avoid a second trip. Additionally, I have cats and dogs and all are very well trained to stay the heck away from me on the stairway.
I literally stop and talk to myself before each trip down- "OK, pay attention to every step."
I paid less attention going up because I felt it was less dangerous but that comment up there about falling backwards caught my attention so I will adjust my approach accordingly.

It's all about paying attention and not allowing myself to traverse the stairway while distracted.

Stair chairlifts cost around $4000 for a straight run (no landing or turns).

I'm in the camp that says keep moving to keep your muscles capable. It will help avoid many health and wellness issues.

Listen to your knees!

I've seen too many homeowners with upper stories that they haven't seen in years because they can't manage the stairs.

& you might want to consider possible future disasters:

I had a client whose 2 story house had to be modified so that her husband, an early-onset-Alzheimers patient, couldn't get down the stairs (he would leave the house & roam if he were downstairs).

Taking care of him was physically very hard on her.

My mother loved her two story home but when she was 54 she and dad moved to a ranch house. I was barely 30 at the time and couldn't understand why she did that. Her comment to me was, "we are not getting younger and who knows what the future will bring."

At the time my Mom said that to me she was in excellent health, went to the gym 4-5 days a week and walked on the treadmill the other days. And she continued that routine even after she developed Parkinson's disease 13 years ago. Yes even went to the gym still 4-5x a week. However 5 years into having parkinsons, she wound up with an infection in her heel that didn't heal. She had to be off her feet for almost 2 months and after that she was never able to resume her exercise routine the same again. Parkinsons had started to cripple her body, bending her shape, slowing her down, etc. However, thankfully since she and Dad were in a one story, my Mom was able to live in her home till the last few months of her life. She passed away because of complications from Parkinson's last year at the age of 84.

It is for that reason that now at age 60, even though I am in excellent health, go to the gym regularly, walk everywhere, etc, I am planning for a home that will be usable into the future. We are building a 2 story because of lot restrictions but the home will have an elevator, just in case. Will I use the elevator now while I am healthy? Not at all. (I'm also a bit claustrophobic.) But I'll be glad it will be there if I ever need it so I can still use my art studio which will be on the second floor.

There are plenty of ways to stay in great physical condition without having stairs (or a flight of stairs or two) in your house. Not saying there is anything wrong with 2-story houses. I've lived in them for 30+ years (heck as an adult I've never had a kitchen on the first floor, so not only do I have stairs but I carry groceries up a flight of stairs each week) but after tearing my calf muscle and now a torn Achilles, even though I'm in my 40's, my next "forever" home will be one-level.

"There are plenty of ways to stay in great physical condition without having stairs..."

Of course this is correct. don't see where anyone advocated buying a two story home so as to get exercise. That said, a byproduct of the two story home that it will in fact provide additional exercise to an otherwise healthy person.

I have two artificial knees and benefit greatly from the extra exercise of going both up and down stairs numerous times each day.

Saltidawg,
Your words are inspiring! Curious about a few things, though. Did you live in your 2 story when your knees were bad (before replacement), and if so, did you mainly stay on the first floor? How did you deal with the 2 story after surgery? Did you wish you had a ranch? It sounds like you must love 2 story houses as much as I do :)

Since we are talking about knees...usually after knee replacement patients are advised to avoid high impact sports. (Not saying stairs are high impact.) This interesting study found - in the words of the physician researcher, “We hypothesized that high-impact activities would not increase the risk of implant failure, but we did not foresee that such activities might actually IMPROVE clinical results,” he said. “It is clear that more research is necessary to evaluate the short and long-term effect of high-impact activities on the durability and function of modern TKA implants.”

Will be interesting to see what the future holds for knee replacements.

http://www.aaos.org/news/acadnews/2010/AAOS6_3_13.asp

My Orthopedic Surgeon clearly does not consider stairs a high-impact activity, in fact I know of no one that does.

The restrictions I was given following my bi-lateral total knee replacement surgeries on morning fifteen years ago were a) No ladders or activities that may lead to a vertical drop; b) Avoid repetitive activities which over a long period of time might lead to a deterioration of the appliances; and c) don't have an auto accident involving leg/knee crushing. ;-)

Except for those restrictions, and a couple of scars, you'd not know my knees have been replaced. I can play soccer, baseball, etc with my grand-kids, etc, etc. I still can't play the piano, however.

I value going up and down stairs at my age because it is good exercise - for me!

YMMV

@ saltidawg - I specifically said, "Not saying stairs are high impact."

mdln,

And I specifically supported that contention!

Oh saltidawg, I am so very sorry, I did not take your comment that way.

It is a risk. Chances are greater as you age that you will develop a health issue that makes dealing with stairs day in and day out less desirable at best, impossible at worst. Will it happen to everyone? Of course not but the odds are much greater for such issues at 80 than they are at 20. Just the reality of aging - it generally sucks LOL. My analogy is this - I LOVE animals. I would love to have a farm full of them - theoretically. As much as I love them, I don't have the time, money, or energy/ability to properly care for a bunch of them. Same can be said for a big rambling house ;)

The focus seems to be stairs. Crud, lawn size, tree pruning needs, square feet to be cleaned, age of home systems and equipments, etc, etc, etc.

I think many of the people posting here should move into an assisted living facility at age 43. lol

I've lived for years in 2 and 3 story homes. I also said our three story home kept us in shape, the kitchen was on the third floor, lots of carrying groceries up from the first floor. I got tired of the three story house more because ours was dysfunctional, too much separation between the floors. We lived at the beach, the lots are so small many houses are three story. We moved from the beach to a wooded area with a large lot with a one story house and love the flow of it. We all make different choices that fit each of us. I don't want a smaller house just a shorter house.

We just moved from a two story. We are living in a rental ranch as we built our one story home. We are also in Florida. I wanted a two story so badly. The builder, realtor and my husband all wanted me to build a one story. So we are. I miss my two story. I am young, so aging isn't an issue. I miss going up to bed at night. My house was cleaner because it was harder for the kids to pull things out from their upstairs bedrooms into the downstairs living area. We had plans to put carpet in the bedrooms of our new build. We changed our minds. The carpet in the rental gets so dirty because of the sand.

The builder and realtor have a vote in what style home you and your husband build?

No, we live in Florida now. Land of the one story. It is more expensive to build a two story and to insure it. Plus a two story will sit on the market longer in the area I live in.

Yet you said, "The builder, realtor and my husband all wanted me to build a one story. So we are."

So what? I am typing fast on my phone when I have a minute. This isn't my last house I will build nor own. I don't get caught up in the concept of dream home. I have been married for 14 years and this is my 8th home. I do not get weepy over houses.

You can always hire someone to care for the lawn.

I grew up in a ranch, but lived in Colonial and Contemporary two story homes all of my married life. We liked going upstairs to bed, the separation was great when the kids were little.

We are in our mid forties and moved into a ranch home last year. It was by accident, as it was the right size home in the right place (location was vital to me). Husband didn't think he would like a one story home, but he doesn't miss the stairs, neither to do I. The kids, however, feel less secure sleeping at street level. They think someone will come into their window and steal them.

I think our old two story home would have sufficed as long as there is a bathroom on the main level and an area that could be a sleeping quarters. I have seen so many health conditions go bad where the patient is taken home, it is easier if that space can be on the main level.

DLM, I have gained 5 pounds since moving here! It must be the stairs!

handmethehammer - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Nevermind that I miss my friends and family and my new best friend here is a bakery :-/

We will be building our retirement home in a few years. Like many who have posted, we will build a bedroom upstairs the same size as the downstairs master. In the upstairs room we plan to have windows on three sides to enjoy the view. When we get older we will move downstairs. I think it is great that so many on here are older and still enjoy and use the stairs. However, a broken knee cap, broken ankle and broken ribs (all from falls in the past 5 years) tells me I need to be careful! Some people are born graceful.

Its not just knees. So many things change as you age you can't believe it. I'm still in good shape in my 60's but my hubby is in his 80's. In just 5 years things changed so much for him I'm having trouble adjusting...so is he!

Part of me feels retirement is deadly, people should work till they drop. My husband retired at 78 and developed so many health problems over the past 5 years. Are they age related or just not working anymore?? I don't know but I'm glad we are all on one floor in a ranch. Makes life much easier although we both miss having our bedroom upstairs.

Jane

I'm now 72, and built my 2 story home 7 years ago. The master is downstairs, as is the great room, but I chose to have the main tv upstairs in the family room, although I do have one in the master also. The only downside i've had is tripping over a sleeping animal on the stairs, but had I turned on a light, that could have been avoided. Luckily I came out unscathed!

And I couldn't agree more with cearbhaill, use it or lose it!

Like many of the posters, the majority of my past homes have been 2 stories with the l last one being a 3 story condo.

I got turned off to two stories as a child,when the only bathrooms were up a flight of stairs!

My husband died last year at age 60. We thought we were healthy (he ran 6 miles a day) and nothing stopped us....until, he got brain cancer. Never thought he'd be the first among our friends and family to go. It was a rapid decline and even with a 1st floor master, there were other challenges such as doorway sizes when he had to use a walker, it not fitting into the separate W.C. in the master bath. He had trouble stepping over a normal low curb to get in the shower.

So, one doesn't have to be older to think about one-level living. I'm downsizing (house is now sold), and I couldn't find a one-level in an established neighborhood in my target area. So, I bought a 2-story at a price point where I can afford to add a first floor master. Those renovations are underway.

dyhgarden.

Sorry to hear about your husband. You never expect that to happen to someone when they are healthy.

I broke my knee cap in my 50's and had to use a walker. It is eye opening when you have to use a wheelchair or walker in your home. So many things don't work. We will be building our house in a few years and we are going to make it handicap accessible.

We had a friend who was young (40's) and had his leg cut off due to diabetes. All their bedrooms were upstairs and he had to sleep on the couch because he could not climb stairs. They could not sell their home because they owed more than it was worth.

Most people never imagine that things may happen in the future.

dhygarden,
I'm very sorry for your loss. My dad died from brain cancer, too. It is awful watching the decline. I think a lot of the above posters agree that we don't necessarily have to be old to appreciate a one-story house. I'm glad you are able to modify your new two-story to make it what you want. Good luck with your renovations!

My condolences dhygarden on the death of your husband and wishing you a smooth transition into your new home. We all have different ideas of what a home should be for us and it's wonderful you are adapting yours for your needs.

" I think a lot of the above posters agree that we don't necessarily have to be old to appreciate a one-story house"

And I think you miss the point some others made. There notion that someone needs to move into a single story home as we get up in years because of knees or the possibility of future infirmities is to deny the reality of the situation.

In my specific case, I am 73 and have had two artificial knees for over 15 years. At this point I certainly don't need to sell my two story because of my knees.

I have always liked single story homes, but in fact I happen to own a two story colonial at this time. If I do sell and look for a single-story home, it certainly will not be because of some possible future disability.

YMMV

SaltiDawg,
You are cranky. That is all.

As you likely know, it's just that I do not suffer fools well. That is all.

I'm so, so glad I moved from a 2 story to a one story. After abdominal surgery, I swore to get a house with at least a bedroom or bathroom downstairs. My knees are glad, too.

Just built a 2 story retirement home. The only rooms upstairs are a small MBR and small MBa. I like going upstairs to bed and I like perching up there on the windowseat to look out at the world. And I'm also of the use it or lose it school. But I had a friend who became disabled in his 30s while living in an old house with upstairs bedrooms and only a powder room on the first floor. They had to add a complicated lift to the tune of what I recall as 10K, but it was worth it not to move. Decided then we would never have a house that was not at least livable on one level.

So we have a curbless shower downstairs in a larger bathroom, wide-ish halls and doors, and one barrier-free entry. A guest room on the first floor that we could use if we couldn't get upstairs. But actually, the location of the place, far from medical services of any complexity, is not suitable for anyone who is too feeble, anyway. So that was our compromise. It also means that our house is "visitable" on the first floor for people with different levels of mobility.

Balance issues often increase as you age. I'm currently attending physical therapy and I've lost count of how many people of my parent's generation I've encountered during my time there who are there due to fall related injuries. When they tell me what happened eventually you can trace the underlying issue to a stroke or balance problem. Many of them didn't realize that they were having problems with their balance until they fell. Luckily none of them were on stairs when they fell. I agree that stairs are great exercise and until I had my recent injury I took our home's stairs as often as possible. They aren't a safe way though to exercise if your eyesight is slowly failing due to age or your balance is slowly getting worse for age related reasons.

My condolences dhygarden. It's so hard to lose your loved one at such a young age.

Sounds like 70 is the new 115 from the tone of some. lol

I am 61 years old, and my knees aren't going to get any better long term. Yes, I have things planned in my future walk-out basement, but for things I really will need (LAUNDRY, for instance), they'll be up on the main level. My house will also have many accessible features, for when I possibly may need them. Otherwise... dance while you can, and help yourself not to worry about it when you can't, if you've planned your living arrangements to be flexible.

Forget the two story. This is the third 2 story I've lived in but after a broken ankle and knee replacement I can't wait to leave this and move into my new ranch home where every thing is on one floor including the laundry.