We older people should buy a step-in bathtub, to the tune of $3000 – $5000 (plus any modifications needed to the bathroom itself to install the tub). That’s what the TV ads say—they’re concerned for our safety. True (says the CDC), a third of people aged 65 and older fall each year. 1% of non-fatal injuries for all ages (15+)—more like 2.5% for seniors–are in the bathroom. But only 2.2% of the injuries actually happen while getting into/out of the tub or shower. Plus, the sink and toilet are the scene of almost 25% of all non-fatal injuries in the bathroom. The most common cause, of course, is slipping.
I don’t know about you, but for $3000 – $5000 I think I’ll equip my bathroom with new, less slippery flooring, low-splash faucets, and a grab bar or two—maybe even a raised toilet seat and a transfer bench into my tub so I don’t need to do any stepping into/out of the wetness. With the money I have left over (LOTS of it), I can throw a party. I won’t drink much at it, though, because I’m convinced that the major reason seniors slip in the bathroom more than younger people is that nature calls us to spend a good deal of extra time in there.
Anyway, that’s what I think.