The Future of Housing for the Elderly: Four Strategies that Can Make a Difference

In the US, in the last several years, there has been a broad-based effort to re-frame the discussion about housing for the elderly and reaffirm that housing matters. Housing locations, including the individual homes of older persons, are becoming major long-term care and health delivery sites. There is strong evidence that older people prefer to stay in their own houses and apartments for as long as possible. The author posits four strategies that need to be developed to ensure a successful outcome for older people and their housing needs: - Support Aging in Place and Home Modifications - Preserve and Enhance Affordable Housing for Seniors - Build Better Housing in the First Place: Visitability and Universal Design - Allow a Broader Range of Housing Types so Communities are More Inclusive and Age-Friendly