Habitat for Humanity’s

aging in place program

All people have the right to age with

dignity in their homes and communities.

Aging in place is a movement to partner with older people

to help them age safely in their homes, and to create an

environment where older adults can continue to learn and

contribute, develop relationships with people of all ages,

maintain a healthy lifestyle, live independently, and receive

community-based health care and support services.

Habitat for Humanity and its partners provide products

and services that foster safe and livable homes and

communities, and that help people of all ages achieve

the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build

better lives for themselves. Habitat recognizes that older

residents are the bedrock of their communities and a

successful component of revitalizing neighborhoods.

Ultimately, a livable community for older adults is a livable

community for everyone. And every one of us deserves to

live in such a community.

According to a 2013 report from Harvard University’s

Joint Center for Housing Studies, 90 percent of older

adults prefer to age in their homes and communities.

And the number of older Americans is increasing rapidly,

from about 40 million Americans 65 and older today to a

projected 70 million in 2030, or about 1 in 5 Americans.

According to research compiled by the National Council on

Aging, however:

• Over 25 million Americans aged 60 or older are

economically insecure.

• One-third of senior households have no money left

over each month or are in debt after meeting essential

expenses.

• In 2014, 3 million households with a senior aged 65 or

older experienced food insecurity.

• Approximately 3.5 million older homeowners are

underwater on their loans and have no home equity.

• 22 percent of married Social Security recipients

and 47 percent of single recipients aged 65 or older

depend on Social Security for 90 percent or more of

their income.

In 2013, the AARP Foundation, which works on behalf of

older Americans, launched a grant program to support

organizations that were piloting new models of home

repair and modification for low-income homeowners.

Habitat for Humanity was awarded a grant to boost

its aging in place efforts. In turn, Habitat chose seven

of its local affiliates to receive funds to begin aging in

place partnerships in their communities as part of their

neighborhood revitalization work. Habitat continues to

partner with AARP to work with older Americans.

The affiliates discovered that an aging in place perspective

moves the discussion beyond doing repairs to building

partnerships, advocating for a livable community for

people of all ages, and networking with other service

providers.

In recent years, many other Habitat affiliates have developed

the construction expertise to support the housing component

of aging in place. In fact, the aging in place program is a

natural next step, building on programs that have steadily

grown over the past five years, including preservation, home

repairs, weatherization and universal design.

One in 3 adults 65 or older fall each year. Half of these

falls occur at home, and many result in serious injuries,

according to a report from the Center for Housing Policy.

Simple modifications that greatly reduce the risk of falls

include installing grab bars and railings, improving lighting,

and repairing hazards in the home that might cause tripping.

These examples of critical home repairs are within the

capacity of many Habitat affiliates. Some affiliates also have

incorporated roof repairs, ramp installation, weatherization

and other repairs into aging in place programs.

In addition, the vast majority of homes are built without

universal design features, also known as barrier-free

design, which help make a house safe and accessible

for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Such

features include zero-step entryways, wide halls and

doorways, accessible bathrooms on the main floor, and

ease of access to electrical and environmental controls.

Given the increasing longevity of the U.S. population, more

homes should incorporate universal design features. In

partnership with other stakeholders, Habitat advocates for

universal design.

But aging in place requires a holistic approach that

goes beyond housing. A white paper produced by

Partners for Livable Communities and sponsored by

the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

summarized responses of elderly participants in a study

done by the University of Illinois. They stated that the

critical characteristics of an elder-friendly community

include transportation; affordable housing and housing

alternatives; strong organizations that provide services,

social and recreational activities for older adults; churches

with outreach programs; and a safe community.

Transportation and walkable neighborhoods: The

report points out that AARP estimates that nearly 7 million

Americans 65 and older are no longer able to drive.

According to the Nationwide Personal Transportation

Survey, nearly 20 percent of all daily trips made by

nondrivers 70 and older are made on foot. Creating more

walkable communities by improving street lighting and

installing wider, well-maintained sidewalks can increase

accessibility and encourage healthy walking habits for

older adults.

Recreational opportunities: Recreational opportunities

have a profound effect on a person’s physical, mental

and emotional state. Community centers and gyms with

reduced rates for seniors are important assets in not

only promoting health but also reducing isolation. The

report recommends group classes such as meditation,

yoga, water aerobics, weight lifting, biking and dancing

– activities that allow older adults to make friends and

commit to a healthy lifestyle.

Health and social services: Two-thirds of people over the

age of 65 require assistance with activities of daily life,

such as eating, bathing, dressing or getting around. Less

than 20 percent of these people reside in nursing homes.

Over 80 percent of people who have long-term care needs

rely on family members and friends. These individuals live

either in their own homes — with or without a spouse —

or in the home of a close relative or friend. Because of

both the cost and the limitations of institutions, the report

advocates for community and home-based care.

As a trusted, national brand, Habitat has the ability to

build partnerships, advocate for livable communities

and network with other service providers and agencies

that support health care, transportation and outreach to

senior citizens. The aging in place program can provide

the framework in which Habitat and other organizations

partner with older people to help them achieve the

strength, stability and self-reliance they deserve.

For more information, see my.habitat.org/3f620.

everyoneneeds a place to call home

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498 USA (800) 422-4828 fax (229) 924-6541

publicinfo@habitat.org habitat.org

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