AARP, NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders, and the American Occupational Therapists Association (AOTA) presented a panel discussion at the Remodeling Show in Las Vegas about their partnership to prepare Americans for aging in place.

Michael O’Neal, from the Livable Communities program at AARP described changing demographics that raise the importance of preparing and planning for senior living. For example, life-expectancy for Americans continues to increase while the number of seniors (65+) grows rapidly. Experts estimate 72 million seniors will live in the United States by 2030.

However, this group of seniors possesses unique qualities, being healthier and wealthier than their predecessors. An active population, they desire to continue living at home while staying engaged in their communities. Because AARP wants to support choice and independence for aging seniors they developed the concept of Livable Communities.

“Livable communities have affordable and appropriate housing, supportive services, and adequate mobility options,” said O’Neal. “Together, these will facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in social and civic life.”

Unfortunately, only 16 percent of home owners have made home modifications for aging and less than 50 percent of American communities are prepared for the population to age.

NAHB Remodelers contributes remodeling expertise, such as the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist designation. And occupational therapists can add valuable insights when developing remodeling plans for seniors.

“Occupational therapists consider the person and the environment,” said Dr. Carla Chase, Assistant Professor for the Department of Occupational Therapy College of Health and Human Services at Western Michigan University. “They look at strengths and limits, changes as we age, medical conditions, and psychosocial elements, such as loss of control, privacy, and fear of falling.”

Chase notes that changes in the environment, through remodeling, can help seniors cope with a variety of issues and make their community more livable. And Bill Owens, CGR, CAPS, from Owens Construction in Powell, Ohio sees aging-in-place remodeling as a fantastic opportunity to diversify and increase profits.

“Aging-in-place clients are looking for great design and safe and comfortable surroundings,” said Owens. “It is a hot topic and can be profitable.”

This is where the collaboration between AARP, NAHB Remodelers, and AOTA becomes important in educating seniors and communities to plan for aging in place and starting the remodeling needed to make this possible.

AARP, NAHB Remodelers, and AOTA’s partnership works to:

• Create consumer demand for remodelers who understand aging-in-place concepts.
• Understand the benefits of partnering with occupational therapists to better meet the needs of homeowners who wish to age in place.
• Learn the marketing language that resonates with seniors who are considering Aging-in-place remodeling.
• Learn the importance of “individualized” customization in the aging-in-place market.

Each organization contributes a unique perspective and set of skills:

• AARP is the premiere national resource organization for seniors, and has targeted creating and maintaining “Livable Communities” as a primary concern for aging in place.
• NAHB Remodelers educates remodelers on aging-in-place issues, from designing accessible improvements to working with seniors on remodeling projects, while also referring customers to professional remodelers in their localities.
• AOTA shares expertise on conducting assessments for customizing homes to individual seniors and planning ahead to meet future aging in place challenges.

More information about aging in place, CAPS remodelers, and slides of the presentation are available online. [ return to top ]