Age-friendly domains:
Housing
Housing may be the most challenging and expensive domain to address in age-friendly communities. Multiple surveys show that the vast majority of older adults want to reside in their current home or community for as long as possible. The ability to do this depends on two factors:
-
Is there appropriate housing in the community?
-
Is housing affordable in the community?
While it is up to individuals to change or alter their housing situation to meet their needs, a community must offer a range of housing options to meet everyone’s needs. In addition to official “affordable housing” under Section 8 housing or government programs, communities need housing that is simply affordable for residents at different stages of life and needs.
Meeting the needs of residents
Appropriate housing meets the needs of a resident at each stage of life and ability. In many NJ communities, the housing stock was part of the post-war housing boom:
car-dependent communities with two-story homes, internal and external stairs and yards to maintain. Older housing stock like this might not be desirable or possible for some to stay in.
Home modifications can address many challenges and can be done at any time – think ahead when making a kitchen or bath renovation and consider what you might need in 10, 20 or 30 years to remain in the same house. Modifications like zero-step entryways, wider doorways, full baths on the ground floor or safer kitchens can make it easier and safer to age in place as well as prime your house for a future sale.
For renters, communities need to include housing that is affordable on a fixed income so that long-term residents won’t be priced out of their homes.
Benefits for all
Like the other elements of age-friendly communities that we have discussed, age-friendly housing benefits everyone. Empty nesters and older residents who want to downsize in their community seek the same type of housing that young people starting their careers and families would also want.
An age-friendly community offers housing options that are suitable for differing incomes, ages and life stages. And of course, housing should consider the other domains: Is the community walkable? Are there a variety of transportation options? How about parks and outdoor space and community events?
Think of what you would want as you age and help prepare for it now. Whether for your own home or for your community, plan ahead, explore options and help to make the changes that make your town friendly for all ages.
Options to consider
Several NJ towns are exploring options like Accessory Dwelling Units and supportive housing that offer options for residents to stay in the community.
Find out what your town is doing and if you can expect to age well in it. If not, get involved to bring appropriate and affordable options that will let you stay for years to come.
If you missed our previous coverage on age-friendly domains, you can read past issues of NJAAW News and Resources here!