Housing America's Elderly Population

Abstract: Examined the housing choices of older adults. Data were obtained from the Assets and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest-Old (AHEAD) survey on 8,222 adults aged 70 and older in 1993 and 6,047 housing units. It was found that 74.9 percent of older adults lived in conventional housing, 10 percent lived in shared housing, 6.6 percent in age-segregated housing, 5.5 percent in supported housing, and 2.9 percent in assisted living facilities. While geographic location and income had little effect on housing choices, educational attainment and net worth had significant influences. Older adults with higher educational attainment and higher net worth were more likely to favor conventional housing. While specific medical ailments had little effect on housing choice, the need for assistance with activities of daily living had a meaningful relationship with the decision.

Assisted Living/Housing

16170