Independent for Life : Homes and Neighborhoods for an Aging America

Do you want to age independently in your own home and neighborhood? Staying home, aging in place, is most people's preference, but most American housing and communities are not adapted to the needs of older people. And with the fastest population growth among people over 65, finding solutions for successful aging is important not only for individual families, but for our whole society. In Independent for Life , former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros and a team of experts on aging, architecture, construction, health, finance, and politics assess the current state of housing and present new possibilities that realistically address the interrelated issues of housing, communities, services, and financial concerns. Independent for Life covers a wide range of smart solutions, including remodeling current housing and building new homes for accessibility and safety, retrofitting existing neighborhoods to connect needed services and amenities, and planning new communities that work well for people of all ages. Case studies show how the proposals can be implemented. The authors offer action plans for working with policy makers at local, state, and national levels to address the larger issues of aging in place, including family financial security, real estate markets, and the limitations of public support. Lists of essential resources, including a detailed "to do" list of aging in place priorities and an individual home assessment, complete the volume. Staying Home, Aging In Place, Is Most People's Preference, But Most American Housing And Communities Are Not Adapted To The Needs Of Older People. And With The Fastest Population Growth Among People Over Sixty-five, Finding Solutions For Successful Aging Is Important Not Only For Individual Families, But For Our Whole Society. In Independent For Life, Henry Cisneros And A Team Of Experts On Aging, Architecture, Construction, Health, Finance, And Politics Assess The Current State Of Housing And Present New Possibilities That Realistically Address The Interrelated Issues Of Housing, Communities, Services, And Financial Concerns.--[book Cover]. Pt. 1. Introduction: Independent / Successful Longevity. New Visions For Aging In Place / Henry Cisneros -- A Hopeful Future / Laura L. Carstensen -- Pt. 2. Demographics And Challenges. Changing Demographic Realities / Adele M. Hayutin -- Future Social And Economic Changes / Anthony Downs -- Pt. 3. Housing And Services. From Home To Hospice: The Range Of Housing Alternatives / Elinor Ginzler -- Community Services / Jennie Chin Hansen And Andrew Scharlach -- Pt. 4. Homes. The Home Environment And Aging / Esther Greenhouse -- Technology Solutions / Eric Dishman -- A Contractor's Perspective / Greg Miedema -- A Case Study: Interior Design For Aging In Place / M. Robbins Black -- Multifamily Housing / Hipolito Roldan -- A Case Study: The Freedom Home / Keith Collins -- Pt. 5. Neighborhoods. Healthy Communities / Lawrence D. Frank -- Local Community Action / Ron Littlefield And Robert H. Ncnulty -- Retrofitting Suburbs / Ellen Dunham-jones And June Williamson -- Longevity And Urbanism / Elizabeth Plater-zyberk And Scott Ball -- Neighborhood Development / Christopher B. Leinberger And Michael Glynn -- Pt. 6. Strategies For Change. Vulnerable Populations / Fernando Torres-gil And Brian Hofland -- Housing Finance / Richard K. Green And Gary D. Painter -- A Political Strategy / Shirley Franklin And Jane Hickie -- Conclusion: Aging In Place / Henry Cisneros. Edited By Henry Cisneros, Margaret Dyer-chamberlain, Jane Hickie. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros and a team of experts on aging, architecture, construction, health, finance, and politics offer the first comprehensive overview of the possibilities and challenges in helping seniors live independently to a very old ag