Housing for Older Adults - HousingPolicy.org Forum

Housing Crisis Led to Worsening Housing Affordability for Older Adults

2014-01-23T15:42:45.294Z

A recent AARP report, Loss of Housing Affordability Threatens Financial Stability for Older Middle-Class Adults, assesses the impact of the housing crisis on the economic security of older adults (50 years and older). The authors found that, unsurprisingly, the housing crisis negatively impacted housing affordability for older adults, and as a result, housing cost burdens among older adults increased and spread between 2000 and 2010. Also significant was the uneven impact based on race and ethnicity. Between 2005 and 2009, homeowners of color lost half of their wealth, due in part to growing income gaps between white and other homeowners, and higher foreclosure rates on prime mortgages among households of color.

Do these results match what you see on the ground? Do you know of innovative programs to address the housing affordability needs of older adults?

Supportive Service Models for Aging in Place

2013-10-10T14:59:08.409Z

While most are aware that baby boomers are rapidly swelling the ranks of older adults in this country. You may not know that the majority of these older adults prefer to age in their homes as their health declines or they become frail instead of moving to nursing homes.

In order for older adults to remain in their homes as they age, they need access to health services in their community, have transportation to reach health centers, or receive health services in their homes. There are several models working to connect supportive services to older adults aging in place that may serve this need. I am interested in learning more about how effective these models are and whether they extend the period of independence of older adults, or reduce health and other supportive service costs.

Are there studies that you have read on this topic that you found compelling or surprising? Are there models or programs that you think are particularly promising?

Active Communities for Older Adults of All Abilities

2013-03-21T18:56:58.316Z

The NY Times blog "The New Old Age" recently posted an interview about life in assisted living communities, but the core message seems applicable to any housing for older adults. Older adults need communities that facilitate activity -- social contact, caring for others, responsibilities of some kind. Do you see this sort of activity promoted in older adults' affordable housing or assisted living communities in your area?

Accessory Dwelling Units

2012-12-13T18:58:28.900Z

There is a growing popularity for accessory dwelling units (A.D.U.'s), or "granny flats," as way to accommodate multigenerational households. The creation of a separate living space in a home for an aging parent or adult child is increasingly attractive to homeowners. A.D.U.'s can also benefit communities by expanding the affordable housing stock.

In response, many municipalities have begun amending their zoning codes to allow for the development of A.D.U.'s. Have you encountered obstacles in pursuing zoning changes to allow for the construction of A.D.U.'s? Any examples of successes?

Archived Discussions, Housing for Older Adults

2012-09-10T15:53:43.894Z

The HousingPolicy.org Forum is streamlining the sign-in process for discussions. Prior to September 2012, discussions occurred within groups. These discussions are now archived.

Archived Housing for Older Adults conversations can be found on this page: http://forum.housingpolicy.org/group/olderadults