Monday, September 21, 2009

NAHB releases study about senior living choices

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has released a study on active adult living.  According to their survey results, most Americans 55+ years of age prefer one-story homes in the suburbs.  They also want their homes to have have high-speed internet capability and other amenities such as non-slip floors, larger medicine cabinets, lower kitchen cabinets and emergency call buttons. And while 94% of all respondents said that energy efficiency was important, less than 55% were willing to pay extra for such construction sensing it was just the way building today should be taking place.

On an unusual note, even though people acknowledge that they hope to remain in their homes, universal design was not a top priority.  Universal design or aging in place considerations include larger doorways, easy-grip door handles and accessible kitchen and bathrooms.  Of course desire to live in a ranch-style home might signify the beginning of the trend towards aging in place strategies; however, according the American Occupational Therapy Association, individuals don't usually decide to make their home accessible until an event occurs that forces the issue. 

One final thought to share from the report; while we often think that as we get older we will want to downsize into smaller living quarters, most consumers say they want and need something similar in size to their current homes. That leaves one to wonder if moving will ever be a priority for the retiree.  I think it will for there are so many wonderful senior living communities available to make retirement fun and active. 

Read the full story on homes for baby boomers here.
See senior living choices at the NJ Home Source website.

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