Housing for an Aging Population

We use the American Housing Survey to examine the distribution and occupancy of homes that have, or could be modified to have, accessibility features that allow seniors to successfully remain in the community as they age. Despite the aging population and the growing need for accessible housing, the U.S. housing stock is woefully inadequate: fewer than 4% of housing units could be considered livable by people with moderate mobility difficulties. Our data analysis address the following questions: 1. What types of homes are modifiable or accessible? 2. Which seniors live in modifiable or accessible homes? 3. Which seniors move into modifiable or accessible homes? 4. What kinds of households make accessibility-enhancing home improvements?