Senior housing demand rises amid lack of national design standards

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, there is a growing demand for housing that supports aging in place. An AARP survey indicates that approximately three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older wish to remain in their current homes. However, many existing residences lack necessary safety features, contributing to a significant risk of injury; an estimated 37 million falls occur among older adults annually, with two-thirds happening in or around the home.

While 55-plus housing communities are surging in popularity, these developments lack national design or community guidelines. Currently, standards are driven by local or state building codes rather than a unified federal mandate. This lack of regulation means prospective buyers must independently evaluate whether a community’s amenities and home designs truly align with best practices for senior living and accessibility.