As people get older, they often stop noticing things around their home. Dust gathers in corners or on shelves and cabinets where televisions or knickknacks may be placed. Dust can even settle on plant leaves, despite meticulous watering done for the plant.

At the same time, wall-to-wall carpeting installed many years ago may have become stained and dirty from spills or pets, or show obvious signs of wear. It's easy to get accustomed to the signs of interior neglect, and to no longer 'see' it.

These things may have become the norm for the homes of older adults. Why not make your home look younger? A good spruce-up will also make you feel younger!

If you live on Social Security, you may have to save an amount each month to pay for a home rejuvenation. Don't borrow money for your home's improvement. Saving up may take a lot longer, but it means that you won't go into debt, that you can't afford to pay. If you live in a rented apartment and plan to stay there for many years, ask the landlord to assist with some, or all of the expenses. Explain that this will be an investment in the property.

The first priority to consider is your home's walls. Are they dull and dingy? Has the paint faded over the years? Search for a local painter or a painting company online, using the keywords 'best painter in (type the name of your city).' Don't choose the one at the top of the search engine page; call at least three painters and have each give you an estimate of costs. When you find a painter you like, tell him or her that you want them to do the job, but you must start saving up each month to pay for it.

Once the walls are painted and refreshed, it's time (because you don't want the painting to be done over new carpet) to start looking for good carpeting. Again, get several estimates. Don't buy the cheapest stuff, it will probably stain easily and it may show signs of wear faster than more expensive carpet. Some big-box chain stores offer customers a 'deal' of free installation. Ignore it, it will end up not being a deal at all.

These companies don't use their own contractors, they hand the job over to third-party subcontractors. These subcontractors can charge extra for such things as removal of old carpet and padding, hauling the old carpet and padding away, the moving of furniture, and so on. The store takes its cut of the 'free installation,' which is labeled 'basic installation.' Anything above 'basic,' costs extra. The carpet contractor doesn't make its profit from the store, but from the extra charges that can be tacked on to your bill.

Despite the fact that you may have been misled into thinking your previous payment of the so-called 'final bill' paid for everything, that is usually not the case. You may end up being charged hundreds of dollars more. Go to several carpet stores. Ask if the store's price for installation includes all charges, like installation and hauling away the old carpet and padding.

Finally, save up and pay for a cleaning service that will dust everything and neaten your home. The cost is definitely worth the money. Getting these three things done, will make your residence look younger and more pleasing.

Wina Sturgeon is an active 55+ based in Salt Lake City, who offers news on the science of anti-aging and staying youthful at: adventuresportsweekly.com. She skates, bikes and lifts weights to stay in shape.

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