– Older adults in the U.S. are advocating for a shift away from single-family zoning
– By 2035, more people over the age of 65 than under will live in the U.S.
– Advocacy groups are seeking housing solutions to allow older adults to “age in place”
– Current options are limited for this population across most states
The Aging Drama in US
The United States is heading towards a landmark demographic shift, where older adults will outnumber younger generations in the coming decade. With the true gravity of this situation becoming increasingly apparent, advocacy groups are urging states to change their housing policy. Particularly in focus is the need to move away from single-family zoning and towards housing solutions that allow older adults to “age in place.”
Outdated Policy
The current system primarily revolves around single-family zoning, which doesn’t align with the changing demographics of the country. Multi-family homes, duplexes, triplexes or apartment blocks provide seniors with more suitable options, enabling them to have a community-oriented lifestyle and reducing maintenance pressures that come along with single-family homes. Unfortunately, options for such housing solutions are limited in most states, which continues to be a significant barrier.
Future Projection & Advocacy
By 2035, there will be more people over the age of 65 in the U.S. than those under 18. Recognizing the immensity of this impending shift, advocacy groups have been relentlessly training their guns on policy change. They are accelerating their efforts to bring about the transition from single-family zoning towards housing options that make the demand of ‘aging in place’ a feasible reality.
The Breezy Take
As the demographic shift in America looms, it’s about time to rethink housing policies. The current single-family zoning trend seems ill-fitted for the swelling population of seniors who, understandably, prefer to ‘age in place.’ Limited options in this regard mean it’s high time for policymakers to spring into action. The proposed shift towards multi-family homes and similar setups not only caters to the needs of the aging population, but also brings a sense of community that’s often cherished in one’s later years. Advocacy groups have initiated an essential push towards this change; now, it’s up to the lawmakers to respond.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/11/06/older-adults-want-to-age-in-place-but-their-options-are-limited-in-most-states/