LIFELONG HOUSING: The Anchor in Aging-Friendly Communities

When considering senior housing options, it is important to look beyond the minimal provision of four walls and a roof. As we age, our home becomes our anchor, a place in which we receive the supportive services necessary to remain in a setting of our choice. Given the option, 78 percent of adults between 50 and 64 years of age would prefer to stay in their current residence (AARP/ Roper Public Affairs & Media Group, 2005). This number increases to 91 percent when asked of adults 65 to 74 years of age, and the preference is highest among those age 75 and older (95 percent). Out of 112 million households in the United States, 23 percent have one or more people age 65-plus. However, if you add people ages 60 to 64, nearly one-third of American households (32 percent) house one or more residents age 60 or older (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). It is widely accepted that the U.S. population is aging and that rates of disability increase with age. Conventional housing is not easily adaptable to meet the changing needs of individuals across a lifetime. At the very least, homes must be safe and secure. Yet, most falls occur in or near the home, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injurious death among older adults (CDC, n.d.). Individuals should be able to navigate their dwelling with minimal risk of injury. Existing physical barriers threaten to confine residents to smaller zones within their homes, effectively limiting function. The design and layout of a livable residence should allow for full use of spaces both indoors and out. "Supportive housing" refers to an environment that meets specific physical requirements and connects its residents with the services they need and also facilitates social engagement. Absent barriers, such as front steps, the home is a primary site for socialization with family, friends, and neighbors. As people age, their homes play an increasingly important role in their lives- as a setting for provision of supportive services, functional independence, and social activity. And as we age, our dwellings age with us. In a 2004 report on the status of the nation's housing, Nelson predicted a demand for 60 million additional units by 2030 to replenish the aging housing stock and keep pace with the growing population. According to the report, 36 percent of owner-occupied units and 38 percent of rentals had been constructed before 1960. Thus, a significant percentage of the nation's housing stock may be at risk for deficiencies based on age alone, without proper maintenance and repair. Owners and renters are largely responsible for the maintenance and renovation of their units, a task that becomes increasingly difficult with age. Ways to Make Homes Work Better Home modification adapts the environment in order to improve the older person's task performance, to reduce accidents, and to support independent living. Home modification addresses common problems such as lack of support in the shower or bathroom, poorly lit stairs with inadequate railings, obstructed passageways, loose throw rugs, and slippery floors. Increased lighting, accessible switches at both ends of the stairs, additional railings, grab bars, nonskid flooring, and the removal of throw rugs and clutter are low-cost solutions with substantial benefits. Modifications should target areas of the home where the resident is most likely to have difficulty. Many problems occur at the front entrance, in the bathroom, and in the kitchen. These areas offer ample opportunity for improvements. If the solutions are simple, why don't more homes have adaptive features? First, the majority of individuals are unsure about what changes would improve the usability of their homes. Homeowners report the top three barriers to home modification are inability to do-it-oneself, prohibitive cost, and lack of skilled and trustwor- thy service providers (Bayer and Harper, 2000). …