As the Finger Lakes region grapples with a rapidly aging population, a new report from Common Ground Health emphasizes the critical need to address housing challenges that could prevent many older adults from aging in place. The report, Aging in Place – Re-imagining Housing for Older Adults, sheds light on the growing pressures residents face and highlights solutions to help seniors remain in their homes as they age.
The report underscores a significant trend: a majority of Finger Lakes residents intend to stay in their homes for as long as possible. However, many may face obstacles related to housing affordability, accessibility, and availability of in-home care.
“Those with higher incomes and more assets can choose where they live, but this option is not available to those with limited means,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health. “We need a system where everyone, regardless of income, can access the care they need in their chosen setting. Engaging older adults in this conversation is essential to ensuring their preferences are respected.”
The report identifies five key trends shaping the future of housing for older adults in the region. These include the growing number of seniors, more older adults living alone, an aging housing stock ill-suited for seniors, affordability gaps, and the lasting effects of systemic barriers, particularly for Black and Latino residents. Many older homes lack the necessary modifications, such as ramps or walk-in showers, making them difficult to live in safely as residents age.
Common Ground Health also points to disparities in wealth and home equity, with historically marginalized communities, especially Black and Latino older adults, facing more significant challenges in securing safe and affordable housing. The spotlight calls for more targeted investments from local governments and policy changes that could help close these gaps.
“We know that people want to age in their family homes and neighborhoods, and the number of older adults is steadily increasing,” said Melissa Wendland, director of strategic initiatives at Common Ground Health. “By expanding and modifying housing opportunities, we can give older adults the choices they need to age safely and comfortably in their communities.”
In addition to highlighting these challenges, the report showcases promising local initiatives and policies aimed at improving housing for seniors. It stresses the importance of coordinating services to ensure older adults can access the support they need in their homes, from healthcare to transportation and home repairs.
The findings are based on local data, including responses from residents 55 and older across nine counties in the 2022 My Health Story survey. This survey, designed to enhance health equity in the region, provided valuable insights into the housing needs and health challenges facing the Finger Lakes’ aging population.
For more information and to access the full report, visit commongroundhealth.org/aginginplace.
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