Aging in Place: The Boomer Housing Dilemma and the Future of Home Design

Aging in place is the goal for many homeowners, and baby boomers are leading the charge.

According to the 2024 Generational Divides in Homeownership Report by Leaf Home and Morning Consult, 55% of baby boomers have no plans to move.

Why Are Boomers Staying Put?

The top reasons for staying in their current homes include:

✅ No need to move (79%)

✅ Close to family (34%)

✅ Too expensive to move (33%)

✅ Low crime (25%)

✅ Weather or climate (18%)

✅ Interest rates (12%)

While staying put makes sense for many, there’s a major issue on the horizon—outdated homes. A staggering 68% of boomers live in homes that are over 30 years old, and many have done little to no renovations.

Even more concerning, the report found that:

🔹 85% of those who have lived in their home for over 25 years have no plans to add safety or accessibility features.

🔹 83% aren’t planning to replace their furnace or air conditioner.

🔹 80% won’t replace roofing or siding.

🔹 67% have no plans to upgrade large appliances.

These homes are essentially time capsules, which could create significant challenges for both aging homeowners and future buyers.

The Generational Housing Challenge

Jon Bostock, CEO of Leaf Home, warns that this aging inventory could create a crisis. “With an aging and ignored inventory of homes available in the next decade, we may see a crisis that will overwhelm the home improvement industry and strain the budgets of inheriting millennials, impacting the housing market,” he says.

For homeowners, this means a lack of safety and accessibility features. For future buyers, it means taking on costly renovations.

Designing for the Future

Fortunately, more homeowners are recognizing the need to update their homes with longevity in mind. The 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study found that 52% of homeowners anticipate needing aging-in-place renovations in the next five years.

When remodeling, homeowners are prioritizing:

✅ Pullout cabinets (58%)

✅ Extra lighting (54%)

✅ Wide drawer pulls (48%)

✅ Nonslip floors (37%)

✅ Rounded countertops (34%)

✅ Wheelchair-accessible doorways/pathways (22%)

✅ Lower fixtures (14%)

Technology is also playing a role in making homes safer and more functional. More homeowners are choosing high-tech appliances, with 30% opting for Wi-Fi-enabled models and 29% selecting smart appliances that can be controlled via smartphone or tablet.

The Bottom Line

Aging in place is a priority for many baby boomers, but the lack of renovations could pose serious challenges for them and the future housing market. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home long-term or thinking about resale value down the road, making smart upgrades now can improve safety, functionality, and efficiency—while keeping your home desirable for years to come.

If you're wondering which improvements give you the most return for your investment, give me a call.