Americans typically move every 5-7 years; staying put longer can reduce your carbon footprint and foster community growth.
Staying put and/or aging in place is more than just an individual decision, it’s a commitment that benefits both you and the environment. As a long-term homeowner, you not only get to enjoy the comfort and familiarity of your surroundings, but you also contribute to community stability and continuity. Over time, you get to build deep relationships with your neighbors, establishing strong social networks and enriching your well-being. Furthermore, avoiding frequent moves significantly reduces waste from packing materials and decreases carbon emissions from transport. This can be a small but crucial step in our collective efforts towards decarbonization and climate resilience. Finally, investing in one place allows you to adapt your home over time to your evolving needs, potentially saving costs in the long run. Aging in place is not just a lifestyle choice, it’s a sustainability strategy.
Pros
- Environmental Sustainability: Staying in one place significantly reduces carbon emissions from relocation and waste from packing materials. Compared to the repetitive environmental impact of frequent moves, setting down roots is a more eco-friendly choice.
- Financial Benefits: Owning a home is a long-term investment that can offer significant returns over time. This contrasts with the continuous expenses of rent or buying/selling homes frequently.
- Social Stability: Long-term homeownership strengthens community bonds and ensures consistent social support, which are often lacking in transient lifestyles.
Cons
- Limited Mobility: Aging in place restricts geographic mobility. This could be limiting for jobs or experiences in different locations, unlike a nomadic lifestyle that offers more flexibility.
- Maintenance Responsibilities: Homeowners bear the cost and effort of home maintenance and repairs, unlike renters who can often rely on landlords.
- Risk of Depreciation: Real estate values can fluctuate, potentially leading to losses. This is in contrast to more liquid investments like stocks, which can be sold more readily if needed.
Cost
The costs of setting down roots and aging in place can vary greatly, based on factors like location, size of the home, existing home conditions, and specific upgrades or renovations needed to support long-term living. Here's a broad breakdown:
1Purchasing a Home
As of 2021, the median home price in the U.S. was around $375,000. However, this can vary greatly depending on location, from $200,000 in more rural areas to over $1 million in high-demand urban locales.
2Maintenance and Upgrades
These can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year for regular maintenance. For aging-in-place modifications (like adding a ramp, widening doorways for wheelchair access, installing grab bars in the bathroom, or even remodeling a kitchen or bathroom for accessibility), costs can range from $5,000 to over $40,000.
3Property Taxes and Insurance
These can vary greatly but generally expect 1-3% of the home’s value annually.
Hiring Pros
- Research Professionals: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Check Credentials and Experience: Ensure the expert has relevant credentials, licenses, and adequate experience. Ask about their past projects related to aging-in-place renovations.
- Get Recommendations: Ask for references from previous clients. You can also reach out to local community members or online groups for recommendations.
- Consider Communication: Choose an expert who understands your needs and communicates clearly. A good professional will listen to your concerns and propose practical solutions.
- Compare Quotes: Get multiple quotes to understand the cost range and select one that offers the best value for your investment. Remember, the cheapest option may not always be the best.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Accessibility and Universal Design
The design should consider accessibility and universal design principles. This could mean wider hallways and doorways for wheelchair access, no-step entries, and easy-to-reach cabinets and switches. The design should accommodate potential future needs, not just the client’s current situation.
2Flexibility and Adaptability
Plan for rooms and spaces that can serve multiple functions and be easily modified over time. For example, an office could be converted into a bedroom or a bathroom could be fitted with grab bars later on.
3Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
As a part of sustainable home design, consider energy-efficient appliances, passive solar design, effective insulation, and other features that can reduce long-term utility costs and environmental impact.
For the Builder:
1Quality and Durability
Use high-quality, durable materials and building techniques that will last as the homeowner ages. This not only provides better value but also reduces the need for future repairs and renovations.
2Safety and Comfort
Prioritize features that enhance safety and comfort, such as non-slip flooring, good lighting, and easy-to-use hardware. Remember that the home should feel welcoming and secure, not institutional.
3Communication and Collaboration
Maintain open and frequent communication with both the homeowners and the design team. Understand the vision for the project and be prepared to offer constructive feedback or suggestions based on your construction expertise.
1Accessibility and Universal Design
The design should consider accessibility and universal design principles. This could mean wider hallways and doorways for wheelchair access, no-step entries, and easy-to-reach cabinets and switches. The design should accommodate potential future needs, not just the client’s current situation.
1Quality and Durability
Use high-quality, durable materials and building techniques that will last as the homeowner ages. This not only provides better value but also reduces the need for future repairs and renovations.
2Flexibility and Adaptability
Plan for rooms and spaces that can serve multiple functions and be easily modified over time. For example, an office could be converted into a bedroom or a bathroom could be fitted with grab bars later on.
2Safety and Comfort
Prioritize features that enhance safety and comfort, such as non-slip flooring, good lighting, and easy-to-use hardware. Remember that the home should feel welcoming and secure, not institutional.
3Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
As a part of sustainable home design, consider energy-efficient appliances, passive solar design, effective insulation, and other features that can reduce long-term utility costs and environmental impact.
3Communication and Collaboration
Maintain open and frequent communication with both the homeowners and the design team. Understand the vision for the project and be prepared to offer constructive feedback or suggestions based on your construction expertise.
Resources
Books:
- “Independent for Life: Homes and Neighborhoods for an Aging America” by Henry Cisneros, Margaret Dyer-Chamberlain, and Jane Hickie
Websites:
AARP 7 DIY Ideas for Your Forever Home – https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/diy-home-improvement-ideas.html
- AARP Design With the Future in Mind – https://www.aarp.org/disrupt-aging/join-us/design-for-the-future/
- The National Aging in Place Council – A senior support network that connects service providers with older homeowners, their families, and caretakers – https://ageinplace.org
- The National Institute on Aging – https://www.nia.nih.gov/
