Home Maintenance Behavior and the Elderly

Abstract

The results of a survey of 722 Wisconsin home owners are used to examine if older home owners maintain their homes as well as their younger peers. Possible reasons for the apparent age-related differences in home maintenance behavior are explored.

A model is proposed to identify and organize variables that may influence the initiation of home maintenance work. Results indicate that older owners report less home maintenance. Differences are more pronounced for energy-related improvements than for general improvements. Specific differences in maintenance behavior between older and younger home owners include: desire for improvements, length of residence, level of education, and expected duration of continued residence.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John Merrill

John Merrill, Extension Housing Specialist, School of Family Resources and Consumer Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison.