Why Is This Study Needed?

Demographic changes are leading to increased concern with housing older Americans.
Changes in life expectancy and the "baby boom" are leading to greater numbers of older Americans. By 2030, there will be about 70 million older Americans, more than twice the number in 1997. Persons age 65 and over will represent 20% of the U.S. population by 2030.

Families are changing.
While the demographic profile of the U.S. is changing, families are changing as well. Average family size is decreasing, women are more likely to work outside the home, and households move frequently. These changes make it less likely that older Americans can rely on families to provide all the care they might need.

More kinds of housing are available.
While most older Americans (78%) own their home and say they would prefer to remain there, the senior housing industry is growing. This means many more kinds of housing to choose from, including:

Naturally-Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs)

• Neighborhood or apartment building where half or more of the residents are age 60 or over
• 27% of Americans over 55 live in NORCs
• 80% of NORC residents are widowed women living alone
  
  

 Shared housing

• About 1% of older Americans live in shared housing
• Types of shared housing include: shared residences, accessory apartments, elder cottages, match-up home sharing.




Assisted living

• There is a wide variation in definitions of assisted living. According to the U.S. government definition, assisted living facilities provide housekeeping services, 24-hour staff, at least 2 meals per day, and assistance with some activities of daily living.
• About 3 % of older Americans live in various types of assisted living.
  
  

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)

• Continuum of care in one facility, including independent residences, assisted living facility, and skilled nursing facility.
• Facilities charge an entry fee plus monthly charges, and have age, health, and income requirements.
• Two types of contracts: 1) Life care contract guarantees care for life at some monthly charge and 2) Limited contract guarantees availability of care, but at additional charge

Nursing homes

• Facilities providing skilled nursing care
• In 1996, the U.S. had 17,208 skilled nursing facilities with 1.84 million beds.
• About 60% of Americans age 85 and over spend some time in a nursing home.