WASHINGTON — A strong majority of adults aged 50 and older (75%) wish to remain in their current homes as they age, and 73% hope to stay in their communities — significantly higher than younger adults aged 18-49 (60% and 63%, respectively) — but existing housing policies and community infrastructure are not keeping pace with this increasing need, AARP’s national 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey found.
“As people age, affordable and independent living isn’t just a preference — it’s essential for their wellbeing,” said Rodney Harrell, PhD, AARP vice president of family, home, and community. “Most older adults want to stay in their homes, yet rising housing costs and limited options create serious barriers. To meet this growing need, leaders at all levels and sectors must prioritize affordable, safe, and accessible housing and communities.”
In 2021, 11.2 million older adults spent over 30% of their income on housing, while federal housing assistance reached only 36.5% of eligible households. More than 10 million older renters spent more than 30% of their income on housing. With households led by people 80 and older set to double by 2040, the U.S. is overdue to tackle the cost of aging in place.
Older adults are facing significant challenges to staying in their homes and communities, the survey shows:
Housing affordability: Nearly half (44%) of adults aged 50-plus expect to relocate, with housing costs being a primary motivator, including rising costs of rent or mortgage (71%), property maintenance (60%), and taxes (55%).
Home accessibility: Over half (51%) of adults 50-plus say they need a home that supports independent aging. Nearly half foresee the need for home modifications to support this, such as grab bars (72%), entryway enhancements (71%), and kitchen upgrades (39%).
Technology barriers: About two-thirds (64%) say they will need a medical alert system and almost half (44%) say they need smart security features to keep them living safely and independently, however broadband access and affordability remain obstacles. In rural areas, 22% of households still lack high-speed internet access, limiting their ability to adopt these tools.
Community readiness: Only half of adults aged 50-plus feel their communities are equipped to meet their needs in the future, emphasizing the need for health care access, reliable utilities, and safe environments.
Policy solutions for aging in place
AARP said state and federal policies that support the aging population will keep them in their homes, including:
Affordable housing: Expand programs that provide rental assistance like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and support bipartisan legislation such as the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA), which strengthens and expands the Low Income Housing Tax Credit to leverage private sector investment in building and preserving affordable homes.
Innovative housing solutions: Remove barriers to developing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), as seen in California’s recent legislation easing local restrictions, providing older adults with flexible living options.
Inclusive zoning: Support state and federal zoning reforms to create diverse housing options, such as Montana’s 2023 middle housing and tiny home legislation, and the bipartisan Yes In My Backyard Act (S.1688 / H.R. 3507) to make it easier to build more housing by cutting through red tape.
Walkable communities: Promote policies like “Complete Streets” to enhance walkability in every community and invest in infrastructure improvements, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic-calming measures.
Digital access: Advocate for programs, such as the former Affordable Connectivity Program. that make broadband internet more affordable, ensuring low-income older adults can access telehealth, social connection, and other vital services that were critical during the global pandemic and just as important today.
Survey methodology: Conducted online through NORC’s AmeriSpeak® Panel and Cint Panel, the survey was conducted online and by phone with 3,090 U.S. adults aged 18 and over in both English and Spanish. Fieldwork took place from June 17 to July 1, 2024.
Source: AARP
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