Second Act says Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies predicts the number of houses headed by persons over 65 will jump 35 percent in the next ten years as Baby Boomers age. Most seniors prefer to age in their own homes, or downsize and move to be near family, which means living in the suburbs. Suburbia is automobile dependent, which will present a challenge as seniors age beyond 75. The other major challenge will be homes requiring assistive devices and alterations such as wider doorways, grab bars, level entrances, and accessible switches and faucet handles. The report suggests it could be an economic stimulus for re-modelers and contractors.

(photo courtesy of  Wikimedia Commons)