Why Age in Place Anyway?
Why so much talk on Aging in Place? Aren’t baby boomers still young and vibrant? Isn’t 60 the new 40?
While we may believe that age is an attitude, the truth is, we all age physically, despite our best efforts to thwart the process. About 13 percent of the U.S. population is currently at least 65 years old, and that figure will increase to 20 percent by the year 2030. The number of 85-year-olds will increase more than 50 percent, according to statistics from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). In 2011, the baby boomers began moving into the older population, with the first ones reaching age 65. By 2030, all of the baby boom generation will be classified in the older population, which is projected by the U.S. Census Bureau to be 8.7 million people. That’s a big group, whose day-to-day living will become very important.
Even as baby boomers are reaching middle age – 45 to 64 years old — they are finding that they can make a difference in their futures by taking action now. Forward-thinkers are admitting that aging comes with physical limitations, no matter how healthy we are, and they are making adjustments to continue enjoying life in their own homes. Remodeling projects like home additions, room additions or family room additions can address the future of baby boomers in the house. First-floor master suite additions, first-floor bathrooms, wider doorways, slip-proof flooring, improved lighting – the list is lengthy with things that can make a home more livable for aging residents. Additionally, if resale is in your future, a remodel should take into considerations buyers who are either baby boomers themselves or young families who will be taking care of aging parents. In-law suites, basement apartments orkitchen remodels all make a home appealing for younger buyers.
If we think out of the box and address the true desire to age in place, we can make a difference in our own lives and those of future generations. That’s why there’s so much talk about Aging in Place.
