Been helping my folks look into replacing their windows lately, and it's turning out to be way more complicated than I thought, lol. They're both in their late 70s, pretty active still, but you know, things aren't as easy as they used to be. Mom's got arthritis in her hands, and dad's eyesight isn't the greatest anymore. So I'm trying to find windows that are easy for them to open and close, clean, and just generally manage without too much hassle.
I figured I'd toss up a quick poll here to see what you guys think matters most when choosing windows for older folks. Maybe it'll help narrow things down a bit.
When picking windows for elderly family members (or yourself), what's your top priority?
1. Easy opening/closing mechanisms (handles, cranks, sliders)
2. Low maintenance and easy cleaning
3. Safety features (locks, tempered glass, etc.)
4. Energy efficiency (keeping bills down)
5. Visibility and natural lighting (bigger panes, fewer obstructions)
6. Noise reduction (quiet is golden!)
7. Cost and affordability (budget-friendly options)
Feel free to share your experiences or any tips you've picked up along the way. Honestly, I never thought I'd spend this much time thinking about windows of all things...but here we are, haha.
I'd lean towards easy opening mechanisms first, especially with arthritis in the picture. My aunt had similar issues, and we went with sliders—worked out pretty well. Energy efficiency is nice, but honestly, comfort and ease of use trump everything else at their age. Curious though, anyone tried those tilt-in windows for cleaning? Are they actually practical or just a gimmick...?
"Curious though, anyone tried those tilt-in windows for cleaning? Are they actually practical or just a gimmick...?"
We got tilt-ins installed when my mom moved in with us, and honestly, they're pretty handy. She doesn't have to lean out or climb ladders anymore—just tilts them inward and cleans comfortably. Definitely not a gimmick from our experience.