As nearly 20% of America’s population reaches retirement age, there’s an increased need to consider the aging in place community when designing and building new homes. Find out how the baby boomer generation is transforming the housing landscape and what you can do to adapt.

With an estimated 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day in the U.S., the rate of the retirement population is projected to almost double by 2030.

Along with that immense growth, there will be a rising demand for homes that provide accessibility and comfort as baby boomers seek the ability to safely and independently remain in their current homes—a concept referred to as aging in place.

To better cater to this increasingly technology-savvy audience, here are some examples of technology you may want to consider implementing when designing for new home builds.

There’s No Place Like Home
While many people plan to relocate after retirement, there are those who prefer to live in their current homes indefinitely. In fact, according to one study, 63 percent of baby boomers never plan to move again.

In order for seniors to comfortably and conveniently age in place, however, they need access to a variety of assistive amenities and technology.

Some examples of those amenities include:

• Safety-Conscious Features – Features such as shower seating and grab bars can help seniors unable to stand for an extended period of time, and can prevent falls while showering or navigating the bathroom.
• Automatic Countertops/Shelving – Cabinets and countertops that can be opened and/or lowered automatically for easier access.
• Smart Home Devices – Helps to provide quick and convenient control of the home environment. This includes motion-sensor lighting and automated temperature control systems.
• Advanced Security Features – Doorbell cameras and surveillance equipment can help provide extra security and peace of mind.

With growing environmental concerns, baby boomers are also becoming more interested in home designs that promote energy and resource efficiency.

In fact, many builders are starting to apply water-saving features in their building plans, including:

• Low-flow shower heads
• Composting toilets
• Smart sprinklers and irrigation controls
• Gray water gathering/recycling devices

Final Thoughts

According to one report, “Older homeowners will continue to dominate the remodeling market, as they make investments to age in place safely and comfortably. Expenditures by homeowners age 55 and over are expected to grow by nearly 33 percent by 2025, accounting for more than three-quarters of total gains over the decade. The share of market spending by homeowners age 55 and over is projected to reach 56 percent by 2025, up from only 31 percent in 2005.”

With this new wave of baby boomers entering the new home and remodeling market, the ability to provide niche specialties that focus on convenience, safety and energy conservation will only help to grow and transform the housing market.