Abstract:

Housing is a critical factor in determining the quality of life and economic security of older persons. Well-designed, suitably located, and affordable housing can help sustain the independence of older persons and ease the burden of disabilities that may accompany aging. Understanding the housing circumstances and conditions of older persons is important in developing public policy solutions that address their diverse housing needs. Progress in the Housing of Older Persons (1999) report documents basic trends in the housing circumstances of older households. It also provides detailed information on the housing conditions of older households and presents data on specific indicators for older owner, renter, single-person, and ethnic-minority households.