The era of multi-story, single-family homes with large yards requiring lots of landscaping and maintenance may be waning in America.
So is the suburb where running routine errands like going to the bank or beauty shop requires the means to own a vehicle in order to have mobility.
Scarcely a day passes without media telling us we are rapidly aging as a nation. And the Prescott area has long been a desirable location for retirees.
Nationally, the aging population—those 65 or older – numbers about 45 million, according to the latest data available in 2013. That is 14 percent of the population. In 15 years – 2030 – that number will jump to about 73 million people.
Nationally, in 2013, the median age was 37.2. In Arizona, it was 36. In Prescott? Grab your hat. It was 54.5.
Reports from Harvard University and the AARP warn that the aging population is going to require a distinctly different kind of housing environment. For instance, it is probable that homes for older residents will be quite different from the typical suburban dwelling. Houses for seniors will more likely have extra-wide hallways, no-step entries, all living areas on a flat ground floor, and lights switches, door handles and water faucets positioned so they are accessible for senior hands that might be reaching out from walkers or wheelchairs. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN