There’s such an important difference between “should I preemptively move to a single story house,” vs. “I’m in my 60s and I am moving, what sort of things might I consider in my new home?”
I think it’s essential for people of all ages (and this becomes even more important the older we are) to consider principles of universal design when looking at a home. As this isn’t only about getting older, but will you be able to actually bathe in your home if you have an accident or are temporarily needing crutches, a walker, or wheelchair?
I see folks here boasting about how much they exercise, and “use it or lose it” - I truly hope nothing befalls you, but I’d encourage you to consider that accidents just…happen. And the worst time to try and deal with any of these day to day challenges is after an accident.
Will you be able to bathe on your own if you want to? Will you be able to navigate through the doorways and hallways (i.e. are they wide enough for a wheelchair or walker to pass)? And is there a way to enter the house with perhaps the assistance of just one person without too much difficulty?
So if you are going to move regardless, I would absolutely recommend thinking through accessibility when it comes to bathrooms first and foremost, and next doorways, hallways, and ease of configurability.
This is something I had posted earlier about universal design and how to think about it when considering a home.
*I reference my parent’s experience. One of the reasons that she was also able to rehabilitate as much as she did, is because she wasn’t “stuck” in a hastily reconfigured former den or some such for endless hours. She was day in, day out, able to be physically present with everyone no matter where we were in the house. It’s something also to consider if you’re evaluating homes for a move: e.g. would I be content if I needed to move into the office with a twin bed in the corner…?