Aging In Place

Thanks to modern medicine, Americans are living longer. And they’re more active than ever before in their later

years. If you’re a homebuilder or real estate professional, it’s important that you understand how this change in our culture affects home selection.

First of all, you’ll have a larger population of senior citizens. Baby Boomers have officially hit retirement age, and at 76 million strong, that’s the second largest generation in this country (Gen Y is number one at 78 million). And don’t think that this generation that redefined “old age”—thank you, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Jobs, and Madonna—will give up their lifestyles for a nursing home. They want to remain in their homes and communities.

A new concept has come about from the increasing numbers of seniors. “Aging in place” means a person or couple doesn’t have to give up their home as they age. They don’t have to move to a retirement community or nursing home where they give into the aging process. We’re now seeing “aging in place” communities that provide vital services so that residents can stay in their homes. Providing visiting nurses, lawn mowing, snow plowing, meal deliveries, computer assistance, and other such in-home help is the norm in such communities. Thanks to more areas adopting an “aging in place” mindset, we have more seniors who no longer have to give up their pets, belongings, friends, and most importantly, the feeling of independence.

With such a large population, put some thought into how you can find ways to support “aging in place” and match people with homes and communities where they can stay for many years to come.