Not Everyone Can Afford to Age in Place

by Anne D’Innocenzio for the Beacon

A vast majority of adults over age 50 prefer the idea of remaining in their own residences as long as possible, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.  

But staying put is becoming less of a choice. Some baby boomers and older members of Generation X are locked into low mortgage rates too good to give up.  

Skyrocketing housing prices fueled by lean supply further complicate the calculations of moving house. 

Despite feeling tied down, a subset of these older adults have enough extra cash to splurge on upgrades designed to keep their homes both enjoyable and accessible as they age.  

The demand for inconspicuous safety bars, lower sinks, residential elevators and other amenities has given home improvement chains, contractors, designers and architects a noticeable lift. 

Home Depot, the nation’s largest home improvement chain, is revamping its Glacier Bay brand to include sleeker grab bars and faucets that are easier to use.  

Rival Lowe’s created a one-stop shop in 2021 that offers wheelchair ramps, teak shower benches, taller toilets and other products geared toward older boomers. 

“They aspire for bathrooms that exude beauty and elegance, with essential accessibility features seamlessly integrated,” Lowe’s Trend and Style Director Monica Reese said of the target customers. 

Contact JCA’s Senior HelpLine for information about aging-in-place home updates

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