We conducted research to find out what challenges older adults face as they age and what makes them feel safer at home.
For many older adults, losing independence at home is a tough reality. Everyday tasks like climbing stairs or accessing certain rooms become obstacles, leaving people feeling frustrated and isolated — sometimes even affecting their mental wellbeing.
At Stiltz, we’re passionate about supporting independent living. That’s why we surveyed 1,000 UK residents aged 60 to 99 to uncover the everyday challenges they face and how solutions like home lifts can restore freedom and peace of mind.
The results offer an insight into the daily struggles of ageing — and what can be done to make life at home easier, safer, and more independent for the UK’s elderly.
Here are some of our key findings at a glance:
For most people, home is a sanctuary — a place filled with memories, comfort, and familiarity. So it’s no surprise that as we age, many of us want to stay in the homes we love.
Our survey found that 78.4% of older adults expressed a strong preference to remain in their current homes as they age.
But staying at home isn’t just about being in a comforting space; it’s about maintaining personal freedom. 92.4% of 60-99-year-olds stated that the ability to live independently is crucial, and it’s easy to see why. Independence provides a sense of control, dignity, and security, all of which are vital to mental wellbeing.
Unfortunately, one key thing that can threaten independence is mobility challenges. 64.4% of older adults said that their level of independence has a direct impact on their mental health, with 35.4% insisting that it has a significant effect. This highlights how critical it is to address accessibility before it becomes a barrier.
Tackling these concerns starts with having open conversations about mobility and safety with family and loved ones. Encouraging these discussions can help identify specific needs early on, ensuring older adults feel supported in making informed decisions that protect their independence and wellbeing.
Despite the majority of older adults surveyed expressing a desire to stay in their current homes as they age, the reality of mobility challenges often makes this difficult.
We uncovered that 44.7% of older adults find climbing stairs challenging, and one in six respondents (16%) revealed that mobility issues make them avoid parts of their home altogether. These figures show how physical limitations can seriously restrict access to once-familiar spaces.
Our survey found that over half of people (50.3%) feel that mobility issues have affected their independence. This shows that, for the majority of those aged 60-99, accessibility challenges can pose a real challenge to daily life.
When it comes to what we can do to improve home accessibility, home lifts stand out as a game-changer for seamless and safe travel between floors — and we’re not the only ones who think so. 68.6% of survey respondents believe home lifts improve daily life, while 69.1% feel safer with one installed.
Research from BSI Group reveals that someone falls on the stairs every 90 seconds in the UK, and stair-related injuries in 75-year-olds and older are five times as likely than those in younger people.
That’s why moving between floors without the worry of falling can be a huge confidence booster for people who may struggle with mobility — and help ease the minds of their loved ones. In fact, 62% of surveyed respondents see home lifts as a worthwhile investment, proving their value as more than just a luxury — they’re a lifeline for maintaining independence.
But, despite these clear benefits, less than 2% of respondents (1.8%) currently have a home lift installed.
This gap between recognition and action suggests that there needs to be greater awareness about how home lifts create a safer living environment.
Another barrier for respondents is cost. However, financial assistance from the government is available to help make home adaptations more affordable. In England, the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) offers up to £30,000 to cover the cost of necessary home adaptations, including the installation of home lifts, if you have age-related mobility needs.
Various charities also provide grants to support home modifications for those in need. By exploring these funding options, older adults can take proactive steps toward enhancing their homes’ accessibility.
When it comes to recognising the importance of making changes, our survey revealed that over half of 60-99-year-olds rarely think about improving their home’s accessibility until it becomes an issue. This reactive mindset can lead to rushed decisions and unnecessary stress — especially when mobility changes can arise unexpectedly.
The key to addressing this is early planning.
Proactive planning is key, and even minor home adaptations or improvements can make a big difference. These could be as simple as installing extra handrails or swapping cupboard handles, which can be tricky to grip, with push-to-open cabinet doors instead.
Starting to think about how you can future-proof a home makes ageing in place a smoother process with fewer challenges down the line. This helps older adults retain their freedom, reduce stress, and continue living comfortably as their needs evolve.
However, early planning isn’t just about physical modifications; it’s also about fostering a mindset shift. Encouraging more people to see accessibility improvements as a proactive step rather than a last resort can help break down the stigma that these changes are only for those already struggling with mobility.
It’s clear that improving accessibility at home can help enhance someone’s life, but it could also have a ripple effect that benefits society.
NHS data shows that falls are the largest cause of emergency hospital admissions for older people. For those aged 65 and above, falls account for over 4 million hospital bed days per year in England. That totals an estimated cost of £2 billion for the NHS annually.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) also reports that falls account for more than 450,000 hospital admissions annually in the UK.
By investing in home adaptations like home lifts, families can help prevent injuries and significantly lower these numbers, reducing the strain on healthcare services, like the NHS, that are already under pressure.
Accessible homes also help to reduce reliance on social care services. Older adults who can navigate their homes freely and confidently are less likely to require assistance for daily tasks, allowing them to live more independently for longer. This not only preserves their dignity but also supports overstretched care providers.
Ultimately, improving home accessibility is a win-win. It allows older adults to live safer, happier lives and helps build a more resilient support system for families, communities, and healthcare services.
Our findings highlight the everyday struggles older adults face and the crucial role that accessibility plays in maintaining independence and mental wellbeing.
From small adjustments like widening doorways to transformative solutions like home lifts, taking steps now can help prevent mobility challenges from becoming barriers.
At Stiltz, we’re here to help you find the perfect home lift solution tailored to your needs. Contact our friendly team to learn more about your options and take the first step toward a safer, more accessible home — because independence should always be within reach.
Methodology
Stiltz Home Lifts commissioned a survey of 1,000 UK residents aged between 60-99 via the third-party platform Pollfish in December 2024. The survey contained the following questions:
Easy to arrange lots of information, No problems with fitting, payment taken in stages, last payment when job was completed. Everyone was friendly from start to finish.
My experience with Stiltz Homelifts. Just over a month ago, I had my Stiltz lift installed and I am so pleased with it. The workmen that came and fitted it were very professional and knew what they were doing. They were so professional I would not hesitate to recommend Stiltz lifts to anybody.
Great looking product, knowledgeable sales people, fitters work clean quickly and polite. Definitely recommend.
Great stylist lift, had for six months without a hitch. Installed by company staff not subcontractors. Cannot fault the lift, buying experience, installation, service. Good company ethos and made in UK.
From the very beginning with the initial construction to the finished product. I have never seen such polite men with an equal work ethic. They cleaned as they went each day. The pets were never in harm. The finished product is awesome. Couldn’t be more pleased
Excellent from beginning to end – and beyond.
Everybody we dealt with at Stiltz was very helpful and efficient, from the initial meeting with Nick Sale, the sales rep, thorough technical inspection, the builders, installers, plumber, electrician, and excellent follow up service and attention. My husband’s life is transformed and mine is much easier. Thank you Stiltz.
Elegant lift, promptly installed by careful and tidy fitters who removed their rubbish the following day. A fair price and an envied addition to our home.
I have been astounded and gratified by the levels of service we have received from every member of the Stiltz teams we have dealt with. A superb lift with exceptional service!
An excellent company from the first contact to the completed project. All personnel were friendly and very polite but stayed extremely professional throughout. Having been in the construction industry for over 40 years I was aware the preparation work was carried out to a high standard by the best of trades people. The lift itself can not be faulted both the operation and aesthetics.
The service was better than 1st class. It was excellent in every way. We could not be more pleased with everything Stiltz applied it’s self to in any way. We would award 6 stars at the very least.
Home lifts are a modern alternative to stairlifts, offering reliability, speed, capacity, and seamless aesthetic integration for a stylish and efficient solution.
Disability Facilities Grants, up to £30,000, can fund home adaptations like Stiltz lifts, starting at £9,990, supporting independent living for disabled individuals.
Stiltz home lifts ensure safety with battery backups, obstruction sensors, self-closing doors, weight limit sensors, and ‘hold to run’ controls for a secure user experience.
