Accessible Housing Availability for the Growing U.S. Elderly Population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the number of accessible housing units available for purchase in the US. with the number of elderly households in this country. It was hypothesized that the number of elderly households would be proportionately higher than the number of available accessible housing units. Data for this research came from the MLS listings on www.realtor.com and the 2000 U.S. Census. The number of accessible housing listings for U.S. municipalities with populations greater than 150,000people was compared with elderly populations for those municipalities as well as the projected elderly population for the year 2025. Analysis of variance was used to compare regions of the country in terms of accessible housing listings and elderly populations. Results showed that the Northeastern section of the U.S. had significantly more accessible housing listings than any other section of the country; however, there were no significant differences in current or projected elderly populations among the regions of the country. In addition, multiple regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between number of housing units on the market and number of accessible units available for sale. The results of this research revealed a major shortfall of accessible housing units in all areas of the country, which could have major implications for elderly households desiring to age in place and needing accessible housing to do so.