I am 5' 1'. My sister's home has higher countertops and I find them awkward. I am not sure how raising the vanity helps the aging population, except taller people must need to stoop more than I knew. My biggest difficulties are in the kitchen. I recently moved my microwave from a cabinet shelf back down to a cart. I always had to stand on a step to get anything large in or out of the microwave. I thought I was getting old, but my teenage daughter was having trouble too. I've noticed that range vents are getting higher. If they get much higher I will need a remote to turn one on. If I ever build a house, I will have a nice pantry and dispense with most upper cabinetry. I would rather have windows or even a pretty painting rather than be surrounded by cabinetry I cannot reach and so is half empty.

My (short) friend has standard height counters in her kitchen, but opted to make the island a couple of inches lower. She has butcher block on the top and that's where she does all of her prep. At 5'6" I find the island slightly awkward, but it works perfectly for her.

I'm 4'11" and find "standard" heights too tall and uncooperative. What would be the ideal counter heigt for me and other adults my height or barely taller than me?

Another problem for height challenged people, are the top load washers, they are so deep I would need a step stool to take wet clothing out. I have the front load type but not too happy with it. Any information on a brand of washer that is not so deep, like those of yesteryear would be appreciated.