Outlook on Aging Survey Offers Boomer Insights

The NAHB 50+ Housing Council recently participated in The Coalition for Research on Baby Boomer Housing and Retirement Options. The Coalition’s main function was to conduct an “Outlook on Aging” survey for use in conjunction with the 2005 White House Conference on Aging on Dec. 11-14 in Washington, DC.

The coalition hired the firm of Belden Russonello & Stewart to conduct a telephone survey of 1,000 Americans ages 50-64. The questions asked respondents about decisions on housing that they will make after the age 65. The coalition chose that age bracket to capture younger boomers as well as people closer to making decisions on retirement and home purchases. The coalition released the survey results, now available on the new Research section: www.nahb.org/50PlusResearch. (Please note: you must be logged in as a member of the 50+ Housing Council to view these research pages. Visit www.nahb.org/LogInNow and read the instructions to log in from last month's e/Source)

A few notable findings from the survey include:

Where they want to live. After age 65, 69% of survey respondents said they want a single-family detached home; 13% favored an apartment/condominium; 9% wanted a single-family attached home; and 5% wanted a mobile home

Community features and location important. Having high quality health care facilities nearby ranked first on their list as very important, followed by having family nearby. Respondents also valued sidewalks and trails, nearby shopping and restaurants, and a community with people in all stages of life.

Reliance on Social Security. Only 31% of younger boomers (ages 50-54) plan to rely on Social Security for at least half of their income, while almost half (46%) of older boomers plan to rely on Social Security.

To read the full findings, visit www.nahb.org/50PlusReserach and read Paul Emrath’s article for a detailed analysis in upcoming Fall issue of Seniors' Housing News. [ return to top ]