Without more middle housing options, the United States will be short on ‘aging-ready’ homes.

With more Americans living longer than ever, the lack of infrastructure for ‘aging in place’ is becoming more glaring, writes Robbie Sequeira in Stateline. Single-family, car-dependent neighborhoods make it difficult for aging residents to stay in their homes and remain independent. “By prioritizing the construction of low-density development, such rules can disconnect older adults from their community and from crucial services such as transportation, according to the Urban Institute, a nonprofit think tank focused on social and economic policy.”
According to Sequeira, “Recent census data suggests that the U.S. is short of aging-ready homes, with just 40% of the country’s housing considered accessible enough to meet the basic needs of older adults.” The AARP and other advocacy groups are calling on policymakers to boost the development of middle housing options and accessory dwelling units that are more accessible for older people on fixed incomes.
Affordability is also an issue for older Americans. “Among American adults age 65 and older, the poverty rate jumped from 10.7% in 2021 to 14.1% in 2022, according to a National Council on Aging analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.”
FULL STORY: Older adults want to ‘age in place,’ but their options are limited in most states

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

Braille Signage Now at All Vancouver Bus Stops
The city completed installation of signage for people with visual impairments at over 8,000 bus stops.

Greyhound Leaves Downtown Houston
The bus company is moving to a smaller station farther from the city center.

Report Reveals Proposed NYC Congestion Pricing Details
The draft proposal indicates most drivers would pay $15 to enter the Central Business District.
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Morganton
San Joaquin County
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.