Many adult ages 50 and above would prefer to stay in their current home as long as possible according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.
Some baby boomers and older members of Generation X are locked into low mortgage rates too good to give up, thus meaning the choice of moving has been relinquished. Skyrocketing housing prices fueled by lean supply further complicate the calculations of moving house.
According to Daily Herald, Despite feeling tied down, a subset of these older adults have enough extra cash to splurge on upgrades designed to keep their homes both enjoyable and accessible as they age. The demand for inconspicuous safety bars, lower sinks, residential elevators and other amenities has given home improvement chains, contractors, designers and architects a noticeable lift.
Home Depot, the nation’s largest home improvement chain, is revamping its Glacier Bay brand to include sleeker grab bars and faucets that are easier to use. Rival Lowe’s created a one-stop shop in 2021 that offers wheelchair ramps, teak shower benches, taller toilets and other products geared toward older boomers.
“They aspire for bathrooms that exude beauty and elegance, with essential accessibility features seamlessly integrated,” Lowe’s Trend and Style Director Monica Reese said of the target customers.