(Radio Iowa) – A national study by A-A-R-P finds about three quarters of people 50 or older want to stay in their own homes as they get older. A-A-R-P vice president Rodney Harrell says whether you live in Iowa or somewhere else, your chances for living at home increase if you plan ahead.

Harrell says take a look at some scenarios and how your home fits into them as you get older.

Harrell says getting together and making your dad’s home easier to get around in is better to do now instead of after an accident.

You might discuss if a home with a lot of stairs is a challenge your family members want to face as they get older, or do they want to make a change. He says these conversation can be a lot easier before you’re forced to take action.

He says if your family members like their neighborhood and the amenities it offers, you can talk about ways to modify the home to adjust for them as they get older.