Senior Spotlight: US Homes Are Not Ready For An Aging America

As we scoured the headlines for you this week, we found several articles addressing not just thew housing shortage but the aging-friendly housing shortage. While 8 out of 10 Baby Boomers prefer to age in place, the 2020 Census Bureau report reveals that just 10% of US homes are able to accommodate aging residents.

What are the features of an aging-accessible home? Features include:  entryway with no steps, a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and one or more bathroom accessibility features. While 94% of homes have one of these needs, only 1 in 10 have them all.

By 2030 the entire Baby Boomer population will be aged 65 and older; 28% of them already report trouble using at least one part of their home without assistance. AARP’s 2021 Home and Community Preference Survey reports that 1 in 3 adults states they will need to make major repairs or modifications as they or those living with them age.

Location does play a role in the number of homes with aging accessible features. While 10% is an average of homes that are senior friendly, areas with less land are likely to have more multi-story units. For example, just 6% of homes in the mid-Atlantic offer accessibility, while that number jumps to more than double (14%) in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

While most older adults prefer to age in place, they do understand that moving to a more suitable home is part of the process. Last year, Baby Boomers represented 42% of home sellers according to NAR®, with many moving downsizing or moving closer to friends & family. An AARP study reveals that ½ of Baby Boomers would consider leaving their current home to find a more suitable one if it would help them avoid a senior care facility.

The good news: once we know that a deficit exists, we can work to address it! The data above is meant to empower you to prepare to age on your terms. Don’t let your home push you out as it no longer meets your needs; consider what you want as you navigate varying seasons in life. Of the 30+ years we supported senior real estate needs, we found that the vast majority waited too long to move out of a home that was not age accessible.

Planning ahead and preparing for changing needs can also help you seek a next step that has even more of what you want that serves you.

Cheers to being positive & proactive,

Bobbi

Resources Used:

Old Housing, New Needs: Are U.S. Homes Ready for an Aging Population?

Baby Boomers Want To Age In Place. U.S. Houses Aren’t Designed For Them To Do That.

As Baby Boomers Age, Is There A Lack of Senior-Friendly Housing? 

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com


NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
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