The Importance of Age-Appropriate Housing for Older Adults
It is well-documented that older adults desire to age in place within their current communities. According to a 2024 survey conducted by AARP, 73% of adults aged 50 and older expressed a strong desire to stay in their local communities. AARP emphasized the significance of social connections, local amenities, and access to essential services like healthcare for older adults. The survey also revealed that 56% of respondents emphasized the importance of having a variety of housing options that cater to their needs as they age.
However, one of the challenges faced by older adults is having an adequate number of age-appropriate and affordable homes, especially for those living on fixed incomes. A Pew survey highlighted the differences in opinions between older adults and other generations when it comes to addressing these housing obstacles.
According to Pew’s findings, older adults showed the most support for simplified and faster permitting processes, the conversion of commercial buildings into housing, and the allowance of apartments near transit and job centers. While there was support for certain zoning changes, older adults expressed lower levels of support for housing types like accessory dwelling units and duplexes in residential neighborhoods.
Key Findings from the Survey:
- 88% supported simplified, faster permitting requirements
- 82% supported allowing apartments near transit or job centers
- 82% supported the conversion of commercial buildings to housing
- 74% supported allowing apartments near offices, stores, or restaurants
- 67% supported the conversion of basements and attics into apartments
- 59% supported giving owners and builders control over off-street parking
On the other hand, some housing regulation changes were less popular among older adults:
- 46% supported allowing townhouses and small multifamily units on any residential lot
- 45% supported building homes closer together with smaller yards
The survey also highlighted differences between older adults who rented their homes and those who owned them. Renters tended to show more support for certain housing regulation changes compared to homeowners.
- 68% of renters supported allowing townhouses and small multifamily units on any residential lot, while only 47% of homeowners supported this
- 56% of renters supported building homes closer together with smaller yards, while only 44% of homeowners supported this
The importance of reforming land-use policies and zoning rules to allow for more diverse housing options was emphasized in an AARP article. By garnering support from both older and younger adults for these reforms, communities can expand housing choices to meet the evolving needs of all individuals as they age.