The ideal 21st Century Community for aging in place will have affordable and appropriate
housing, supportive community features and services, and a range of mobility options, which together
facilitate personal independence and enable all individuals to engage in work, civic, and social life as
they choose. How do we get from vision to reality? This chapter focuses on housing and reviews
current housing problems, research, and the state of the science of universal design in housing. Are
current practices compatible with universal design? One thing we know is that over the past few
decades housing preferences have changed. This can be attributed to many factors, although changes in
population demographics, legislation, and economic conditions have had the most significant impact.
These contributing factors drive the housing industry; the success of the housing market is based on
how well it responds to consumers’ needs. Often slow to respond to people’s changing needs and
preferences, the housing market now appears to be adopting new strategies and policies leading to more
innovative practices and designs.
