Households led by people 80 and older are set to double by 2040 and the country is overdue to tackle the cost of aging in place, AARP says. While builders continue to build homes to fit the needs of families and younger adults, prioritizing universal design that can assist in aging in place is crucial.
Most adults aged 50 and older (75%) want to stay in their current homes as they age, and 73% hope to stay in their communities, according to AARP’s national 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey. “As people age, affordable and independent living isn’t just a preference—it’s essential for their wellbeing,” says Rodney Harrell, PhD, AARP vice president of family, home, and community.
“Most older adults want to stay in their homes yet rising housing costs and limited options create serious barriers. To meet this growing need, leaders at all levels and sectors must prioritize affordable, safe, and accessible housing and communities.”
This year’s survey highlights the need for accessibility, affordability, and technology in homes. Forty-four percent of adults over 50 expect to relocate, the survey says. Housing costs are the primary motivator including rising costs of rent or mortgage (71%), property maintenance (60%), and taxes (55%).
As 56% of all adults say they want housing options to fit their changing needs as they age, over half (51%) of adults 50-plus say they need a home that supports independent aging and 53% want housing with accessibility features. Nearly half foresee the need for home modifications to support this, such as grab bars in the bathroom (72%), entryway enhancements like ramps and chairlifts (71%), and kitchen upgrades (39%).
Technology can also pose a threat to aging individuals. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they will need a medical alert system and 44% say they need smart security features to keep them living safely and independently. Yet, broadband access and affordability remain obstacles. In rural areas, 22% of households still lack high-speed internet access, limiting their ability to adopt these tools.
AARP found that those 50 or older place greater importance on community features that directly affect their health. However, only half of adults aged 50-plus feel their communities are equipped to meet their needs in the future, emphasizing the need for healthcare access, reliable utilities, and safe environments. Among 50-plus adults who are unsure their community will be suited for them as they age, 41% say they will never leave their current home.
Caregivers especially are looking for convenient access to a variety of quality, affordable healthcare services in their communities. Thirteen percent of all adults are currently caregivers and 34% expect to be at some time, and 33% expect to give care in their own homes. To provide space for a loved one who needs care or a place to live, one in four older homeowners say they would consider building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
To meet the need of rising aging in place demands, AARP is pushing policies that support older adults. This includes driving efforts for expanded affordable housing programs, walkable communities, digital access, inclusive zoning, and innovative housing solutions.
Removing barriers to developing ADUs, as seen in California’s recent legislation easing local restrictions, can provide older adults with flexible living options. The report notes that two-thirds of all adults would consider downsizing, but the kind of housing they prefer varies somewhat by age. Ideally, most still want a single-family home (75% of those 50-plus compared to 84% of adults 18 to 49).
An active-adult community or neighborhood designed for people 55 and older with a mix of homes, townhomes, apartments, and mobile homes appeals to about 48% of younger adults and only 32% of those 50 or over. A continuing care community is a likely choice for 45% of adults ages 18 to 49 and just 29% of older adults, AARP notes.
