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America Needs More 'Aging-Ready' Homes

The nation's population is rapidly aging — but the nation's housing stock isn't suitable for what's coming

AARP Livable Communities

Illustration of a pink house

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau

  • In 2020, over one-quarter (27.6 percent) of occupied households in the United States consisted of one person living alone. In 1940, 7.7 percent of households were occupied by one resident. Learn More

  • Over half (53.2%) of households in 2020 were coupled households in which the householder has a live-in spouse or partner. Learn More

  • In 2020, 7.2 percent of family households were multigenerational. Learn More

  • In 2010, 7.9 percent of children under age 18 lived in a grandparent's home. In 2020, the figure was 8.4 percent (or 6.1 million children). Learn More


The data and graphics are current as of May 2023.

  • Click on the images below for more information about each. 

  • Scroll down for links to free AARP publications about housing solutions and options for people of all ages. 

Few Homes in the United States Support Aging in Place

A graphic featuring a map of the United States with data about the percentage of homes that are aging-ready.

source: Census.gov

Very Few Homes Are Accessible for People With Disabilities

An infographic with stats, facts and charts about housing accessibility in the United States

Source: Census.gov

Links to Free Housing Publications From AARP

Or visit the AARP Livable Communities Housing Archive for links to each of these publications as well as videos, articles and more. 

 

Contact Us

 
  • Email AARP Livable Communities at Livable@AARP.org.

  • Ask about the AARP Livability Index by completing this online form.

  • AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the AARP Contact Us page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).