Housing in the future will incorporate many of the design elements that permit residents to age in place, such as single-floor living, no-step entry and wider doorways.
The future is not here yet, however. Nor will these new building standards come quickly enough to meet the demands of America’s demographics.
AARP, which is a major force in the movement to change our thinking about home construction and home accessibility, reports the following grim news: “When it comes to future needs our nation’s housing is severely deficient. By 2030, one in every five Americans will be over age 65, and our nation will face a severe shortage in appropriate housing to meet their needs. Only one percent of existing housing stock includes all five recommended accessibility features: no-step entry, single-floor living, extra-wide hallways and doors, accessible outlets and light switches, and lever-style handles. And today, more than 19 million older adults live in inadequate or unaffordable housing.”
In AARP’s report, it also noted a singular success in developing the home of the future: “In February 2017, a first-of-its-kind home adhering to the standard of ‘ageless design’ was unveiled in Memphis, TN. The home is part of a groundbreaking effort by AARP, AARP Foundation, Home Matters and the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, which challenged architects through a nationwide competition to create new standards in housing design that allow adults to stay in their homes throughout their lives. A 54-year old U.S. Army veteran, Walter Moody, will live in the home.”
Not all of us can wait for a new, fully-accessible home nor will everyone will be able to afford one. But we can retrofit our current residences to suit the needs that often arise suddenly. That’s the mission of Next Day Access, where we help you create a home without barriers. Our “Whole Home-Whole Life” approach means comfort and accessibility in your current home. And that’s today, not in the future. Give us a call at [phoneNumLink] today!