My Shih Tzu will be turning 15 at the end of the year. He’s doing quite well overall—still eating hard food and staying active. However, age is taking a toll when he goes downstairs or tries to jump on the couch. He has fallen down the stairs a few times and injured his leg when he missed the couch while jumping. The vet confirmed that neurologically he’s fine, but has some age-related joint issues.
I am thinking either gating him in the kitchen, where there’s nothing for him to jump on or fall from, or getting a large crate where he can move around comfortably with his toys and water. I’m concerned that he might escape from the kitchen gate.
I am worried about whether this might be too restrictive for him. He’s used to being in a crate during car trips and when we have visitors, but he hasn’t been confined when I’m home. I’d appreciate hearing if others have dealt with similar situations or if you think I should consider other options. 
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It’s not cruel to keep your dog safe. Just make sure to provide as much enrichment and comfort as possible in the secure area. 
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I think ramps or steps for couches and beds are a great idea, but don’t feel guilty about confining your dog to a single room for his safety. It’s not cruel. In my dog’s later years, I kept him in my bedroom with plenty of toys, a comfortable bed, and fresh water. While he could use a ramp to get on the couch, he might still hurt himself jumping off. Keeping him in one safe area gave me peace of mind, especially since he had stopped trying to jump onto my bed.
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When the humans go, dogs merely lay around and snooze, doing nothing. I’ve always kept mine in a decent-sized open top round cage for their safety and my own piece of mind. When the humans are at home, everything goes well.
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You could secure him in one room or provide ramps I’m sure he would use them if there.
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Confining him is keeping him safe, it’s not mean. A couch ramp is good, but he can still fall off.
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You are not being mean. You are doing what’s best for him
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Not cruel at all, it’s rational. Our dog has epilepsy, so we have to contain her in a safe space, she could hurt herself during a seizure. We locked her in the largest room and packed everything she could bump into. Put pillows on the desk legs.
You can build it up in such a way that she knows it’s not a punishment. Leave her for 15-30-45 minutes and so on, and spend time together in that room.
Same with crate training, she will learn it’s a safe and calm space.
Instead of blocking him into a room, block off areas where he could hurt himself. Baby gates at stairs. Ramps to couches and beds.
he’s just getting a little order is all. Leave him treats and toys, he’ll be okay 