Your home is your castle. It’s the place that feels right to you, and that’s how it should be. But it’s an unfortunate reality that different bodies need different accommodations in houses and apartments — and your body may change in ways that put you on the outs with your own treasured space.

As you grow older, you’ll find that spaces in your home that were once unremarkable have become dangerous. Stairs can be insurmountable, and slippery shower floors deadly. Should you become disabled, you may find similar frustrations or have difficulty navigating or organizing your home. And obesity — an all-too-common health issue in the United States — can cause problems with spaces, too.

You deserve a space that suits your body. Here’s what you need to know about fitting your home to your body.

Growing older

You’ve worked hard to build the life that you live and to earn the home that you keep. Unfortunately, it’s far from a given that we get to stay in our own homes as we age. Sometimes, we find ourselves forced to move to assisted living facilities or in with relatives.

Your body is aging, and you can’t do much about that. But a lot can be done about your home, which can be much more welcoming in your later years if you invest in smart improvements now. Home modifications such as walk-in tubs can make your space safer and smarter for spending your golden years.

The time to make these changes is now. The sooner you take action on these sorts of modifications, the sooner you’ll be safer in your home. And if your modifications stay one step ahead of your health needs, you’ll stand a much better chance of remaining happy and comfortable in your home for years to come.

Living with disabilities

Living with a disability isn’t always easy. Unfortunately, many disabled people feel alienated in our society. And with a shocking number of public spaces and businesses failing to make accommodations for disabled people, it’s not hard to see why.

No space should be hostile to the disabled. And your own home should be the last place that you feel uncomfortable or at risk. You should work with a contractor to shape your personal space to the needs of your body.

Home modifications for elderly and disabled can feature similar elements. Stair lifts, railings, walk-in tubs and showers, ramps, and other improvements are all possibilities for disabled individuals as well as for the elderly. If reach is an issue, consider storage modifications as well. Your home should make essential things easy for you to reach.

Obesity and mobility

Obesity is a major problem in the United States, where nearly 40 percent of adults are obese. The problem is personal for many, some of whom have a weight problem that keeps them from staying functional and comfortable even at home.

Of course, you have ways to combat obesity. Healthier eating, exercise, and medical assistance such as gastric sleeve surgery are all worth looking into if your weight has reached the point of limiting your mobility. But remember that not all of these options exist for all people, and that everyone deserves a comfortable home.

With that in mind, those with serious weight problems should consider home modifications that make their spaces safer and more functional. Stair lifts and walk-in showers are among the many home modifications that could make a big difference. Speak with a contractor to learn more.