With the vast majority of seniors wishing to stay in their homes as long as possible, the market for aging-in-place remodeling is catching on. Builders are boosting services to accommodate the trend, a National Association of Home Builders press conference revealed this week. The press conference, held at NAHB’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, included a discussion with NAHB Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS) and AARP representatives on the trend.

About 90% of people aged 50 and older want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, said Scott Sevon, 2012 chair of the CAPS Board of Governors, noting that it will become increasingly relevant to build homes with aging in place in mind. 

“This generation is typically healthier and wealthier than previous generations of similar age and expects their homes to reflect their active independent and upscale lifestyles,” he said.

While the majority of CAPS consumers are 55-64 years of age, according to NAHB, remodelers report that even 23% of clients are in their mid-40s to 50s and are planning ahead to age in place.

“As aging in place modifications and universal design move into the mainstream, the CAPS designation program continues to provide accessibility, safety and low maintenance living to home owners of any age,” said 2012 NAHB Remodelers Chairman George Moore, Jr.

Written by Elizabeth Ecker