As the population ages, a lack of accessible housing could become an increasing problem. In a study of accessible housing design published in the journal Housing and Society, researchers Jean Memken and Nichole Earley point out that the growing elderly population means more adaptable, accessible, and safe family housing is needed in all parts of the country. The authors point out that this approach would permit people to age in place, because houses would have features such as accessible entrances and ramps, grab bars and walk-in showers in bathrooms, and a single-level design.¹

Unfortunately, in more than 75% of cities examined, less than 1% of accessible single-family housing was available for sale. The shortage existed across the nation, although slightly more (2%) accessible housing was available in the Northeast. The authors suggest evaluating the role that advocacy groups can play in increasing accessible housing options.¹

Another research group’s work highlights the importance of universal design and accessibility for seniors’ homes. Frank Oswald and colleagues examined ENABLE-AGE Project home interview data from 1,918 people who were between the ages of 75 and 89 and lived alone in their own homes in Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, Hungary, or Latvia. The researchers report in The Gerontologist that these people had a greater sense of well-being and were more independent in their daily activities if they lived in more accessible homes, perceived their homes as useful and meaningful, and did not believe that external influences were responsible for their housing situation. The authors therefore recommend that seniors be consulted to determine their personal preferences for home modification or relocation.²

Similarly, in a cross-sectional study of elderly people reported in The Journals of Gerontology, Gary W. Evans and colleagues found that housing quality is associated with psychological well-being in elderly people living independently in the community. Higher-quality homes led to greater feelings of attachment to home.³

Finally, any options selected to ensure accessible, high-quality housing for seniors must also be affordable. The recent Foundation on Aging for Larimer County Aging Needs Survey revealed that Larimer county seniors’ largest housing concern is affordable services enabling them to continue living at home. Fifty-one percent of those who completed the survey indicated that this was a concern for them.

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References

1.  Memken J, Earley N. Accessible housing availability for the growing U.S. elderly population. Housing and Society 2007;34(1):101-15.

2.  Oswald F, Wahl H-W, Schilling O, Nygren C, Fänge A, Sixsmith A, et al. Relationships between housing and healthy aging in very old age. The Gerontologist 2007;47:96-107.

3.  Evans GW, Kantrowitz E, Eshelman P. Housing quality and psychological well-being among the elderly population. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 2002;57:P381-3.