Aging-in-Place: What to Look for in Replacement Windows

The U.S. Census Bureau says that over 20 percent of the country’s population will reach past the retirement age by 2029. Many seniors prefer to stay at home than spend their later years in assisted living facilities. This is a contributing factor to the increase in the number of home upgrades like grab bars and walk-in toilets. 

If you’re remodeling your home to meet aging-in-place needs, here are things you need to consider in replacement windows. 

Easy Operation

Your hands become weaker as you age, making windows that are easy to open and close essential. Go for sliding windows with simple latches instead of units that require the use of two hands like double-hung and casements. When it comes to fixtures and door handles, choose ones that can be used without exerting a full grip. These hardware are ideal for people with limited dexterity or those with arthritic hands. 

Enhanced Privacy

Window treatments can help increase your privacy. However, you wouldn’t want to be replacing and washing curtains every now and then in your later years. Textured or obscured glass won’t only fill your home with natural light but also enhance its privacy. At Renewal by Andersen®, our replacement windows can be made with energy-efficient decorative and specialty glass. 

Ease of Maintenance

Window frame materials that are easy to clean and maintain are ideal for seniors. While most people would go for vinyl, it’s not as durable and the color options aren’t that many. Renewal by Andersen window frames and sashes are made with our exclusive Fibrex® material. This material is two times stronger than vinyl. It’s created from wood fibers and polymer, allowing it to have the strength and natural insulation of wood with the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl. 

At Renewal by Andersen® of Portland we install some of the most energy-efficient replacement windows in the industry, all backed with comprehensive warranties. Call us at or complete our contact form to get a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Tigard, Beaverton, and West Linn, OR.