“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
 Winston Churchill.

Why is that housing that is good for us as we age is hard to find?  Builders are still developing "Peter Pan" housing - for those who never grow old. The news is starting to make it to "Neverland" that the population is aging and new senior oriented developments are starting to appear. Sadly, much of what is being done is being done poorly. Further more, new housing not specifically built for the seniors market will, someday, be occupied by seniors.  Getting it right at construction with universal design consideration makes sense.

Last week I visited a new bungalow townhouse development that is being marketed to "mature adults." The development answered just one need for seniors: less maintenance. The finishes were beautiful, the layout - very nice, but the total package was not suitable.  As with most new developments, a majority of seniors could not afford the price. Apart from price, if the objective is to move now hoping to not face moving again, then important 'aging-in-place' accessibility and usability requirements were not present. This is what I found in my short visit:

Accessibility 

• The entrance had three rather high steps and there was a loft that may become unusable in the future.

• Doorways, especially to the bathroom, were not wide enough for a wheelchair and difficult for a walker.

• A garage that was so narrow that walking next to the car would be difficult - a walker or wheelchair would be impossible

Usability 

• Acrylic tubs and showers that could not be retrofitted with grab bars. 

• A knob, not a lever handle for the shower faucet. 

• Plush carpet under pad that could cause tripping. 

• To many doors on base kitchen cabinets - no pot drawers.

• Insufficient lighting in the kitchen and bathrooms and a patterned kitchen counter top that made me dizzy

There are other considerations that were not met. Loneliness is one of the greatest enemies of well-being. The development was not well designed for social connection. There was no community centre or other amenities that would make this any different than the social isolation found at most multiple unit developments.

Finally there seemed to be no thought given to ensuring the overall development was friendly to the environment. It was construction as usual. If we are to leave a legacy to future generations, the homes we build now must, at the very least, attempt to use the latest sustainable energy and building technologies

Just being a bungalow townhouse does not make it appropriate for seniors. Before you purchase that ideal retirement home think of your long term needs. Good housing for has features that allow for decreasing mobility and increasing frailty. Good housing is affordable and kind to the environment. Poor senior's housing may work for you today, but not for tomorrow.

Summary of Good Senior's Housing

• It anticipates and is adaptable to changing physical abilities. 

• It is affordable for a wide range of equity.

• It is close to necessary amenities

• It provides an enriching social and physical setting.

• It is kind to the environment.