In This Issue... |
A Place Designed for Living, Aging:
This case study examines an aging Pennsylvania couple's decision to relocate for the last time. The couple's main desire was to live in a home that would be able to adapt to its changing needs. This particular case study does not describe something rare or out of the ordinary. Millions of aging Americans are entering into the process of reevaluating their current living status due to children leaving or retirement or future retirement. According to an AARP survey "Fixing to Stay: A National Survey of Housing and Home Modification Issues", some baby boomers are willing to move into a new home that would accommodate their changing needs. Others are willing to stay in their current living situation if the home could be changed to match different needs. These two situations are the basis behind "universal design." This is a concept that allows aging Americans to either purchase a new home or reconfigure their existing home allowing them to age in place with relative ease. For more information about this couples decision and universal design, visit http://www.philly.com. back to top
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How Best to Care for the Elderly:
A Minnesota task force on aging recommended that the state invest $113 million into overhauling their system of care regarding the elderly. The task force advised that the state shift its long-term care focus from nursing homes to providing in-home care for the elderly. One particular plan would involve closing or converting nursing homes into alternative avenues of care. The task force predicts this proposal will ultimately save the state $40 million over the next two years. The money would primarily be used to create a 2.5 percent cost-of-living raise for all long-term-care providers and to create programs designed to help the elderly remain in their homes, support family caregivers and expand information distribution. For more information regarding proposals to care for the elderly visit http://www.startribune.com/. back to top
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National Safety Council Statistics Indicate Falls in the Home a Growing Problem:
A growing national problem is that of falls within the home. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), it is estimated that of the 17,600 falls that caused or led to death, 9,600 of those occurred in the home. Moreover, the age group most vulnerable to this type of accident is the elderly. Eight out of every ten deaths that are a result of falls involve people over the age of sixty-five. To combat this problem, the NSC, along with a joint coalition of public and private sector agencies, has formed a national coalition on falls. The principal objectives of this coalition are to prevent 50,000 fall-related deaths by 2008 and 75,000 by 2012. In addition, this partnership will attempt to address the overriding factors involved in falls and provide a home improvement guide to help prevent such accidents from occurring. For more information on elderly in-home accidents, visit the National Safety Council website at www.nsc.org. back to top
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Baby Boomers Turn 55, Eye Retirement Communities:
People of the baby boomer generation have now reached the age of 55. This means that they are eligible to enter into "age-restricted communities". However, what they want is not your typical age-restricted community. The days of shuffleboard courts and bingo games are now gone. Del Webb, a builder of retirement communities, indicates that the "new seniors" are demanding health spas, computer labs and college classrooms as staples for their new living areas. Unlike previous generations of retirees, the "new seniors" have increased and more active agendas for the second half of their lives. This new generation is more financially established, healthier and has an increased thirst for life. For more information regarding the "new senior" lifestyles, visit www.proaging.com. back to top
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New Building Code Document a Major Step Forward for Disability Groups, Nations Home Builders:
In an attempt to clarify the federal Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has endorsed a new building code document. This document clarifies builders' issues regarding the subject of accessibility in home construction. In addition, it ensures that new apartments and condominiums are accessible to the elderly and people with disabilities. The newly endorsed document has received encouraging comments from those within the building industry. According to National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) president Bob Mitchell, "for the first time since the fair housing accessibility law was enacted, this document puts the federal accessibility requirements where they belong-- in a building code." Moreover, Mitchell stated that "having local building code requirements consistent with the accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act will significantly increase the amount of accessible multifamily housing available." For more information on this new building code document and other accessibility issues, visit www.nahb.org. back to top
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Briefing on the Upcoming Seniors' Housing Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona:
The NAHB Research Center, in conjunction with the Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), will hold Building for Boomers and Beyond: A Seniors’ Housing Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona April 26 and 27, 2001. This symposium will bring together builders, land developers, multi-family housing owners and associated professionals interested in serving the growing and diverse needs for those 55 and older. It will feature two days of networking, seminars and exhibits to inform industry experts about new and innovative building, design and finance methods for those focusing on independent living and retirement issues. For more information regarding the seniors’ housing symposium, visit www.nahbrc.org and click on "Seniors' Research." back to top
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