By Vanessa Pratley
Former Investigative Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakatewhatewha
This article appeared in the spring 2026 issue of Consumer magazine.
It’s time to celebrate. You’ve reached your golden years, or they’ll shortly be upon you, and you’re ready to retire. Maybe you’ve spent years renovating, decorating and landscaping your home or filling it with memories of whānau and friends. It’s your ultimate happy place. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to leave.
But staying at home comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you can do so safely and successfully will depend on your health and mobility, as well as what your home is like and how easy it is to alter it. Here’s our room-by-room guide to future-proofing your favourite spaces.
Entryway and garden
Living and kitchen
Bed and bath
Need a new mattress?
See which brands earned our People’s Choice endorsement and read our guide to choosing the right mattress for your home and life.
