Age-in-Place Trend Prompts Disparity in Accessibility Modifications

The article discusses the trend of older adults opting to age in place rather than move to assisted living facilities. However, there is a divide in terms of financial resources to make necessary modifications to homes. While some retirees, such as Brenda Edwards and Gene Carr, have the funds to invest in home improvements like widening aisles and adding wheelchair ramps, others struggle with affordability. Jennifer Molinsky, director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University’s Housing an Aging Society program, highlights the disparity between low-income and high-income older adults in terms of accessibility modifications. Retailers, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, are responding to the demand for aging-friendly home improvements by offering products like grab bars and taller toilets. However, Molinsky urges policymakers to address the shortage of affordable housing options that cater to older adults’ specific needs. Nancy Berlinger, a senior research scholar at the Hastings Center, suggests that society should embrace aging-related modifications rather than shun them. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of addressing the shortage of affordable housing options for older adults and acknowledging the disparity in terms of financial resources for necessary modifications.