A recent webinar discussed the challenges of building homes and communities for an aging population. The conversation centered around the idea of “aging in place” versus “aging in community,” with panelists exploring the differences between these two concepts. Rodney Harrell, vice president of Family, Home, and Community for AARP, noted that the nation’s housing stock is not prepared to support an aging population, with millions of housing units needed to meet the demand.
The webinar featured a panel of experts, including Delores Bailey, executive director of EMPOWERment Inc., Tamara Knox, CEO and co-founder of Frolic Community, and Stacy Torres, assistant professor of sociology at the University of California, San Francisco. Each panelist brought their unique perspective to the conversation, highlighting the need for affordable housing, community engagement, and support for caregivers.
Housing Needs for an Aging Population
By 2030, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will be over 65, highlighting the need for communities to think about aging and how to support older adults. Harrell noted that AARP research shows that three-quarters of people 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as long as possible, but nearly half know they may not be able to due to various factors.
Knox discussed the importance of distinguishing between “aging in place” and “aging in community.” She noted that “aging in place” refers to the ability to stay in one’s current home, while “aging in community” involves creating a supportive environment that allows older adults to thrive. Torres added that the concept of “aging in place” should be expanded to include not just the physical home, but also the surrounding community and social connections.
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Affordable Housing Options
The panelists also discussed the challenges of creating affordable housing options for older adults, particularly in areas with high housing costs. Bailey noted that EMPOWERment Inc. has built affordable rental units in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is working to create more intergenerational housing options. Knox discussed Frolic Community’s efforts to create starter homes for low-wealth and middle-income households, with down payments ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
Addressing Complexity in Aging Solutions
Harrell emphasized the need to address complexity in addressing the housing needs of an aging population. He noted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that communities must be willing to adapt and innovate to meet the diverse needs of older adults. Torres added that supporting caregivers and creating intergenerational housing options are critical components of addressing the complexity of aging in America.
Creating Livable Communities
Harrell defined livability as having the options needed to thrive in a community, including affordable housing, transportation, and access to healthcare and social connections. He noted that the AARP Livability Index platform measures neighborhoods across seven areas, providing a tool for communities to assess and improve their livability. As the conversation continued, the panelists explored the complexities of creating livable communities for an aging population, with Harrell highlighting the importance of community engagement and social connections in promoting livability.
The concept of livability is closely tied to the idea of “aging in community,” which involves creating a supportive environment that allows older adults to thrive. Knox noted that this can involve designing housing and communities that promote social connections and a sense of belonging, such as intergenerational housing models that bring together people of different ages and backgrounds. Creating communities that support aging in place and aging in community will require an approach that addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of older adults.
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According to Harrell, the AARP Livability Index platform has been used by communities across the country to assess and improve their livability, with many communities making significant strides in creating more age-friendly environments. For example, some communities have implemented transportation programs that provide affordable and accessible transportation options for older adults, while others have created community centers that offer social activities and support services.
Resources for Age Friendly Housing
The National Zoning Atlas is a resource that provides information on zoning laws and regulations across the country, which can be useful for communities looking to create more age-friendly environments. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and HOME (Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly) are working to create affordable housing options for older adults, including intergenerational housing models.
The platform has found that communities that prioritize livability tend to have higher levels of social connections and community engagement among older adults. Many resources and organizations are working to support older adults and create more livable communities, with Harrell noting that the AARP Livability Index platform will continue to be a valuable resource for communities looking to create more age-friendly environments, and that the number of older adults who are single is higher than ever, with 63 million caregivers in the country who can think about their loved ones and how to house them.
