And don't we know it. Apparently by 2050 the number of over 85's in France will have quadrupled and the cost of keeping them independent needs to be taken into account, otherwise the cost of dependence could be too onerous. The government introduced a 0.3% levy on pensions paid to the most well off to be targeted (eventually) at improvements to housing and infrastructure to make life easier for the elderly. Building regulations in Europe are designed to ensure that new builds have easier wheelchair access - wider doors, downstairs loo etc. But older houses and apartments are more difficult. One person in two who becomes dependent on hospital or nursing care does so as a result of a fall, many in the bathroom.
The Caisse Nationale d'Assurances Vieillesse (CNAV) has ergonomists who will visit elderly people and study their actions and needs and suggest changes to layout, furniture and bathrooms to try to keep the person safe and viable at home. Grants may be forthcoming in some cases. Top of the list is replacing bath tubs with low level showers and making cupboards accessible to people with difficulty in reaching up. The trouble is us old folk get used to doing things our way and take some persuading to change - especially if it's going to cost money.
