Housing accessibility for seniors with mobility and grasping disabilities: lessons from the American Housing Survey

As the aging population increasingly grows over the coming decades, the number of new constructions or modifications made to housing units that need basic accessibility features is projected to rise considerably in the United States. This study focuses on the living conditions of existing housing for stayers - those who have remained in their place of dwelling since reaching the retirement age of 65. In doing so, this study investigates how accessible stayer housing is to meet the daily needs for aging in place, particularly for seniors with mobility and grasping disabilities. The lack of housing stock designed to meet the needs of the aging population is a critical concern that housing policy must address. Using national American Housing Survey (AHS) data, this study provides critical insights on this issue.