A Systematic Review of Home Modifications for Aging in Place in Older Adults

Background/Objectives: The aging population has increased the demand for home modifications to support aging in place. However, existing research primarily focuses on fall prevention and physical safety, leaving gaps in understanding long-term sustainability, social engagement, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the interaction between home modifications and health-related changes remains under-explored. This study systematically reviews home modifications, addressing these gaps by considering functional independence, quality of life, caregiving burden, and technological advancements. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. One researcher and an external expert performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Thematic analysis and narrative synthesis were applied to compare study results. Results: Among 20 studies, 13 (65%) confirmed the effectiveness of home modifications in fall prevention, functional independence, and cost savings. Seven studies (35%) highlighted housing accessibility and lifestyle factors. However, few studies examined personalized interventions, smart home technologies, and long-term adaptability. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for personalized, technology-driven, and long-term adaptable home modifications. Future research should explore smart home innovations, interdisciplinary approaches, and policy implementation feasibility to develop sustainable aging-in-place strategies. By adopting a holistic perspective, this study provides a new framework for advancing aging-in-place strategies.