Future of housing

Addressing Housing Challenges Across the U.S. for Aging Communities

Megatrends

Americans are living longer than ever (soon living to 100 won’t be an anomaly), and most hope to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. However, there has been a lack of preparation by developers and policymakers to ensure that the nation’s housing stock meets the needs of people at all life stages. This mismatch puts millions of individuals at risk of limited or no access to housing that meets their needs or preferences as they age, and AARP is committed to addressing this issue across the country.

Below you will find 7 megatrends that are shaping the future of housing, highlighting areas of focus that will advance our country towards the goal of ensuring appropriate housing for people of all ages.
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Advances in Technology

Advances in technology are changing the way housing is produced, marketed, sold,…
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row of small American clapboard houses with gables

Affordability Gaps

Rising housing costs, insufficient supply of different housing options, and growing income…
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Changing Demographics

Americans are living longer, the 65 plus population is rapidly growing, and…
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Mobile homes in a manufactured home park. Front yard.

Local Government Influence

Most housing decisions are made locally, allowing communities to make decisions that…
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Water Rescue crew on site searching for survivors after dangerous Flooding Aerial drone views high above Flooding caused by Climate Change leaving entire neighborhood underwater and houses completely under water , boat with water rescue searching for people stuck in their flooded homes

Shifts in Environmental Conditions

The nation’s housing is ill-equipped to handle the frequency, intensity, and volatility…
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Beam stick built frame of a new house under construction

Supply Mismatch

There is a nationwide housing shortage, and nearly 2.5 million units are…
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Small Town House Rural America Kansas

Systemic Barriers

People of color and those with disabilities continue to struggle to find…
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Trends Shaping the Future of Housing

Learn more about the seven powerful megatrends shaping the future of housing in the United States. These societal shifts demand bold, collaborative action. From evolving demographics to advances in technology, AARP is leading the way with research, tools, and forward-thinking strategies to create communities that are affordable, inclusive, and sustainable for all.

The Power of Housing Partnerships

Collaboration is the key to solving America’s housing challenges. AARP works with various organizations and advocates to expand housing options and improve affordability in order to empower people to choose how they live as they age. Together, we’re more powerful than we can be apart. Email ESR@AARP.org to get started.

Goals

By 2030, our nation will face a severe shortage in accessible and affordable housing to meet the needs of the 1 in 5 Americans who will be over the age of 65 in our country.

Working with key partners, AARP has developed key goals to address the senior housing crisis. We encourage these shared goals to make all of our communities affordable and welcoming for people regardless of age, background, circumstance, or physical ability.

Man and woman arriving home with shopping bag

Change Perspectives

Normalize age-friendly housing options and products to increase awareness.
Related Megatrends

Expand Options

Increase the amount of age-friendly housing options to ensure availability to everyone.
Related Megatrends

Improve Policy

Cut red tape allowing for more sustainable, equitable, and functional housing.
Related Megatrends

Preserve Affordability

Establish housing opportunities and availability for any budget.
Related Megatrends

AARP Housing Efforts

The home is central to individual and community well-being and should support our lives both today and into the future. With the ever-changing dynamic of housing, the strategies below give us the opportunity to meet our shared housing goals.

Drive ADU Growth

As homes that exist on the same lot as a single-family residence, Accessory Dwelling Units play a major role in serving a national housing need. We can make a difference through education, local advocacy, and strong partnerships.
Change Perspectives
Expand Options
Improve Policy
Preserve Affordability

How AARP makes a difference:

  • We advocate for policies that expand ADU development.
  • We create resources that raise awareness about the benefits of ADUs.

Advocate for Housing Stability and Equity

High costs and discriminatory housing practices are two significant barriers to age-friendly housing access and stability for many 50-plus renters and homeowners. We have the opportunity to advocate at the local state and national levels for equitable policies.
Improve Policy
Preserve Affordability

How AARP makes a difference:

  • We advocate for tenant protection and housing stability policies.
  • We advocate for removing discriminatory housing policies.

Remove Discriminatory Housing Policies

Many individuals and communities face barriers to building or modifying homes to take advantage of them. Change comes about at the local level to give power back to consumers.
Expand Options
Improve Policy

How AARP makes a difference:

  • We advocate locally for housing regulation changes to remove zoning and construction barriers to age-friendly housing.

Improve Consumer Options and Choices in Housing

While some age-friendly housing options have become available in the market, many consumers make housing decisions without considering how their needs may change as they age. We must empower consumers with tools and resources to make thoughtful housing decisions.
Change Perspectives
Expand Options
Preserve Affordability

How AARP makes a difference:

  • We share our housing and aging expertise with strategic partners to help their consumers make more informed housing decisions.
  • We raise consumer likelihood to take age-friendly housing actions through targeted, interactive education offerings.

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