Ask any older American to name his top five aspirations, and living independently in his own home is likely to head the list. But sadly, many seniors haven’t planned ahead for a long life and may not have the resources to “age in place” – to remain in their own homes as they approach their 80s and 90s.
The image of retirees living in swanky new golf course communities does not reflect the reality: Many older people live in residences that have fallen into neglect and become harder to maintain with every passing year.
In fact, a looming housing crisis is on the horizon for seniors at both the low- and middle-income levels, especially as the baby boom generation ages.
How do we prevent the crisis? By educating citizens and encouraging them to be vocal. By engaging in a responsible national debate that pushes senior housing to the forefront of domestic needs. By prompting policy decisions that alleviate the problem.
Seniors should have access to affordable shelter and services where they live. Local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector, must find ways to make this possible.

The Current Housing Situation
Of the houses owned by seniors:
• 34 percent were built before 1950
• 38 percent were built between 1951 - 1965
• More than 63 percent have physical deficiencies and are occupied by homeowners 70 years of age or older.
Not only are these structures likely to have physical deficiencies, they often contain outdated lighting and electrical systems and dangerous air and heating systems, elements that cause home accidents.
Many senior homeowners are cash poor and can’t afford the repairs required to keep the value of their homes at or above market value. Physical limitations sometimes prevent them from maintaining their residences. As a result, the value of their property plummets. Typically, these run-down dwellings are congregated in the same area, causing depreciation of housing prices in the entire neighborhood.
Only one in 10 older homeowners has a dwelling with a value of at least $40,000. Experts predict the situation will worsen in the next 20 years.
Nursing homes have traditionally been viewed as the alternative to aging in place, but they are not a panacea. Approximately 1.8 million seniors live in nursing homes today. Nursing homes have a three- to five-year window of opportunity to become solvent. One in five is going bankrupt. Nursing home care can cost $50,000 a year.
Nursing homes should be regarded as one option of many. For some seniors, assisted living facilities are the answer. Yet national companies building assisted living facilities pass on staggering costs to consumers – ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 a month, plus deposits that can start as high as $100,000 to enter.
Home community-based services save money and are more satisfying, prolonging seniors’ independence, dignity and self-determination. It costs between $20,000 and $30,000 a year for home community care service, and a growing number of seniors, about 2.4 million, choose this option.

Our Aging Population
Seniors live longer now, due to better health care and living conditions, and aging boomers are contributing to a senior population explosion. In 2000, there were 35 million Americans over the age of 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By the year 2030, that number is expected to double. And by 2050, 82 million Americans will be over 65. The fastest growing segment of the population is 85 and older.

A Starting Point
A few states are increasing funds for home care services so seniors can remain in their homes instead of moving to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Michigan, Oregon, Maine and Washington have laws that give consumers the right to hire and fire providers. Other states need to follow this lead, educating and giving a voice to their citizens.
Some of the nation's unions and charitable organizations, augmented by government subsidies, have built and managed apartment communities for seniors with low incomes. These communities, known as Section 202 housing, provide safe, secure living environments for seniors. Many of them provide service coordinators who assist residents with resources for medical care and prescriptions, transportation, recreation and social services, as needed.

A Call to Action
In spite of the urgent need for affordable senior housing and services, the American public seems reluctant to support public and subsidized housing. Social Security and Medicare are the subjects of high-profile debates, but senior housing and services have not received comparable attention. This lack of support is inconsistent with the nation's traditional values about caring for family and neighbors.
To reverse this, we must encourage national debate that brings the issue of senior housing and services to the forefront of public attention.
Our nation's elders are entitled to affordable housing. Those who are able to live independently are entitled to supportive services; those who need help should receive skilled care and appropriate shelters. If there is a bias against subsidized housing, it should be remembered that many Americans partake in federal subsidies each year by taking a tax deduction for the interest on their home mortgages.
Government needs to create an informational network of options for seniors and their families to select from. Performance standards must be adopted so that service providers are mandated to establish and maintain acceptable levels of quality.
Housing alone, devoid of services, provides only a warehouse operation. Coordinated service programs enable our seniors to live comfortably, safely and with peace of mind through all stages of senior life.
Simply put, seniors with access to affordable housing and services enjoy longer, happier and healthier lives.