As the population of the United States continues to age, products and services aimed at the senior living demographic will become more widely available. U.S. construction industry trends suggest that American seniors, especially the so-called Baby Boomer generation, will be facing a housing shortage in the next few decades.
By the year 2040, it’s expected that some 28 million Americans will be age 80 or older, and the number of retirement-age individuals at age 65 will reach 73 million Americans by 2020.
Available data indicates that there won’t be enough housing available to satisfy the needs of this aging American population. A report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies shows that there’s not enough appropriate housing available for those who will enter advanced age in the coming years.
The shortage is being driven by the unique needs of older Americans who want to continue living in the homes they’re familiar with rather than entering a retirement facility. Known as “aging in place,” it’s expected to become more popular as seniors enjoy extended life spans and better health from modern medical advances.
However, successful aging in place requires modifications to homes that aren’t necessary for younger residents. Individuals with mobility limitations, visual impairments or other problems associated with age will need homes with easy wheelchair access, plenty of lighting, single-floor construction, and related features to make it easier to live.
Construction industry professionals should carefully assess the potential benefits of serving the older American population. U.S. communities with the largest number of seniors will have an especially urgent need for appropriate housing. According to Realtor.com, these communities include:
- Andrews, TX
- Austin and Round Rock, TX
- Dickinson, ND
- Elko, NV
- Gillette, WY
- Junction City, KS
- Juneau, AL
- Raleigh, NC
- Summit Park, UT
- Williston, ND
Contact Construction Monitor today for more information on senior living trends and how the aging population of the United States may affect multiple areas of the U.S. construction industry.
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