Growing Older Won’t Make Most
Boomers Budge from Their Homes

The housing industry is gearing up for the surge of boomers who turn 55 every year. In the coming years, millions of Americans will cross this dubious threshold and officially become classified as seniors, at least from the perspective of most demographers. To home builders, these boomers are known by the friendlier term, active adults, and represent the fastest growing segment of the housing market.

It is not only home builders who are anxiously anticipating the aging of the baby boomer generation, however; so are many remodelors. These remodelors are putting out the welcome mat for all the new business that will soon be coming their way in droves. Why?  Because, just like their parents, growing older will not make most boomers budge from their homes.

Research shows a strong preference by Americans to remain in their current residence for as long as possible as they grow older. This translates into a need to remodel or adapt their homes to meet their changing abilities and circumstances. Today, this phenomenon is popularly referred to as aging-in-place. In general, it is defined as living in one’s home safely, comfortably and independently, regardless of age, income or level of mobility.

Older Americans have always been the least inclined to move, compared to homeowners of any other age group. What has changed is the magnitude of those who are now, or soon will be, facing the agonizing decision to move or stay put.

A recent National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey found that more than 50 percent of those age 55 or older have lived in their homes longer than 10 years. Many of these homeowners are reluctant to pack up and leave family and friends behind. They resist severing emotional attachments to their home and neighborhood or adjusting to new surroundings. Although, by and large, boomers are better off financially than their parents were at the same age, others plan to stick-it-out where they presently live because of financial concerns and limitations imposed by living on fixed incomes. It is these boomers who are driving the aging-in-place market and who regard remodeling as the answer to how they can live conveniently and safely in the home and community where they feel most comfortable.

Very simply, “getting around” is the key to making a house compatible to the needs of the aging-in-place occupant. Most frequently, older homeowners report problems climbing up and down stairs or difficulty walking or standing. Also common are problems due to impaired mobility when reaching for light switches, faucets, doorknobs or cabinets. And for those who are still relatively mobile and agile, the necessary modifications might require reducing the possibility of accidents by providing more light in high-accident areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and stairways; adding railings or grab bars to prevent falls; or changing floor coverings to add traction and eliminate slippery surfaces.

Remodelors report that the most common projects for their 65-plus clients are making handicapped accommodations, installing brighter lighting, widening doors and hallways, and installing ease-of-reach and bend systems. As can be expected, much of this work focuses on bathrooms, kitchens and entryways, although many are smaller projects or what the industry refers to as handyman jobs.

The baby boom generation has earned its reputation for making waves, as it has passed through each stage of life, based on shear numbers and their persistent demands for having it their way. Now that boomers are entering the stage of life when age imposes its own demands, their clout will still prevail in the housing market as remodelers and builders race to keep up with the boomers’ expectations of where and how they want to live.   

Baby boomers who plan on staying in their homes should consider choosing a professional who has earned the CAPS (Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist) designation from the National Association of Home Builders. The CAPS designation ensures that your remodelor or builder has completed a demanding curriculum that covers common age-related barriers and solutions, building codes and standards, and more.

This article has been provided by the Metropolitan Builders Association, a non-profit and non-partisan association which represents the building industry in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. The MBA develops and offers education for consumers as well as members. By establishing business ethics and industry standards, the MBA has earned a reputation as a trusted resource. Consumers enjoy our promotions for housing and housing products, while members take part in our professional and social activities throughout the year.