New Study Shows Homeowners Prefer to Age in Place

A new ASID research study shows that a sizeable majority of homeowners plan to remain in their current homes as they age but are not considering how their needs may change over time. The report includes recommendations on how to design today to anticipate future lifestages.

Retiring and moving South is no longer the American dream it once was. Staying with the family, friends and community that have become home is the way current and future retirees envision spending their leisurely days. But while retirement communities are designed for the new needs aging sometimes brings, not all homes are as well equipped.

Are your floor coverings durable enough to withstand a wheelchair or walker? Are your appliances going to be easy to use if you develop arthritis? How functional will your bathroom become if you develop stiff joints? Not the most pleasant thoughts, but often the realities of aging whether it's for the homeowner or an aging parent. "People love their homes. And no matter if it's to care for an aging parent, spouse or themselves, people want to retain their lifestyle while offering that care," says Michael Thomas, ASID, principal and president of The Design Collective Group in Jupiter, Fla.

As baby boomers move into retirement, and begin thinking about renovating their homes for the future, it's important to incorporate these ideas along with desired luxuries. It can be as simple as installing handles instead of doorknobs or as unobtrusive as reinforcing the shower wall to one day support handrails.

The American Society of Interior Designers, DuPont Zodiaq, York Wallcoverings, California Closests and Sub-Zero recently sponsored independent research on how homeowners plan to use their homes as they age. The majority (77 percent) of homeowners believe they will not move out of their current home when they retire. And of those who have already retired, 89 percent did not move out of their homes.

So why are homeowners staying put? The majority (75 percent) of respondents said it was because they're comfortable in their home, its location and its design or layout. But of those who were thinking of uprooting, most were concerned about getting around the home when they're older. Looking forward in time, they worried about the home's size, lack of handicap access (especially the stairs), location issues and maintenance of the home and lawn.

And a lot of thought is going into the home during retirement. The research found homeowners are giving as much thought to it as they are to financial security and health care. And just as much as they want their home to be functional, they also want it to be a little more luxurious with the addition of a jacuzzi, hot tub or top-of-the-line appliances. The two goals can work together beautifully by installing: