Aging in Place: Pre-Retirees’ View of Environmental Adaptation in Maintaining Independence

Abstract

Aging in place means being able to live independently in one’s current residence. This study examined the views of the future elderly to determine whether they plan to take a proactive stance in adapting their environment to meet their aging needs. Housing needs, preferences, policies, standards, and designs (barrier free, universal, accessible, and adaptable) are reviewed. An age stratified random sample of pre-retirees from three states (N=1033) assessed the feasibility of modifying their home to accommodate a wheelchair. The majority of the respondents were male, married, and 52 years old, with median family income between $35,000 and $49,999. Eighty-two percent of the respondents indicated a preference to retire in single family homes, and 92 percent were residing in same. Number of sources of retirement income and being married were identified in multiple regression analyses as related to feasibility of altering current housing to accommodate a wheelchair.

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Notes on contributors

Joan R. McFadden

Joan R McFadden is Professor in Home Economics and Consumer Education, College of Family Life, Utah State University.

Jeanette A. Brandt

Jeanette A Brandt is Associate Professor in Apparel, Interiors, Housing and Merchandising, College of Home Economics, Oregon State University.