Home Energy Costs and The Elderly

Abstract

This research identifies demographic characteristics and structural features significantly related to low or high home-energy consumption for two elderly groups. The first elderly group is part of a western regional home energy study, W-159, conducted in 1983. The demographic characteristics of the first group show that as a whole they are more highly educated, have higher incomes, and have a larger proportion of males and home owners than is usual for their age. Because this group is above average in various demographic characteristics, a companion study was conducted in 1986 focusing on elderly individuals who have lower incomes, a greater proportion of females and renters, and have less education.

There are significant differences in the factors in energy costs for the two groups. The 1986 groups of lower income, less educated elderly individuals are primarily renters and spend an average of 40 cents more per square foot for energy than does the 1983 group of elderly individuals with greater incomes, education, and home ownership. Of all housing structural variables studied, and for both groups, the presence of ceiling insulation has the greatest impact on energy consumption.

The more energy efficient the elderly person perceives his/her home to be, the greater the number of energy-saving features present. This indicates that home-energy efficiency perception is generally accurate as it relates to energy-saving features present. Low-income, less educated elderly renters are identified as being most in need of energy information and resources to make energy improvements. Recommendations are made for energy educators, especially those working with elderly individuals, and for public policy makers.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Virginia Junk

Virginia Junk is Assistant Professor, School of Home Economics, University of Idaho, Moscow.

Joann Jones

Joann Jones is Curator, Latah County Historical Society, Moscow, Idaho.

Elizabeth Kessel

Elizabeth Kessel is Professor Emeritus, School of Home Economics, University of Idaho, Moscow. Portions of the research reported here were supported by the Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Idaho, as part of a USDA Western Regional Research Project W-159. This project concerned Energy Directions for Western Regional Households. This is scientific paper No. 8691 of the Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Idaho.