The US population is aging. Within the next decade, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in American history. As Americans live longer, their housing needs will change, but our current housing market is ill prepared for this demographic shift.
Today, senior households—many of whom are on fixed incomes—are facing a combined crisis of housing affordability, accessibility, and availability. As the country’s population ages, policymakers must prioritize seniors in solutions to the housing crisis. Without action, the consequences will be severe.