The market for aging-in-place remodeling continues to grow as more homeowners choose to remain in their homes as they age, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS) experts were joined by representatives from AARP for a press conference held at the recent International Builders’ Show (IBS) to discuss how the aging-in-place market has changed as it moves mainstream, what consumers are looking for and what universal design and aging-in-place trends will be popular in the future.
Nine out of 10 people age 50 and older say they want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. According to CAPS, the current 50-plus generation is typically healthier and wealthier than previous generations of similar age; they want their homes to accommodate their active, independent and upscale lifestyles.
Additionally, while the majority of CAPS consumers are 55-64 years of age, remodelers report that 23 percent of clients are younger (45-54 years of age) and planning ahead to age-in-place. According to NAHB, as aging-in-place modifications and universal design move into the mainstream, the CAPS program provides builders with the expertise necessary to provide accessibility, safety and low maintenance living to homeowners of any age.
The CAPS program was launched by NAHB in partnership with AARP, the NAHB Research Center and the NAHB 50+ Housing Council in 2002 and has been on the leading edge of home modifications for aging-in-place since its inception. The program has graduated more than 4,000 specialists in 10 years.