Designing for the Life Span Segment 4

Previous Slide Next Slide Segment Index Home First Slide Last Slide

[D]

Slide 23 Content

This Old House: The Rural Setting and the Independent Elderly with Disabilities

Between 12 and 15% of all Americans over the age of 65 live with some form of moderate to severe disability independently, usually in their own home.
County by county, the middle of the country - rural America- has the highest proportion of older Americans over the age of 85.
70% of those over 65 own a home, their greatest asset- but one that is typically in need of significant renovation
There is a high level of direct relationship between older people who suffer some level of disability and lower levels of disposable and discretionary income.
Many of the needs of these individuals are met through a barter arrangement with other older people.
Most are rural elderly are dependent upon a car for transportation in- typically- a rural setting with no town centering their "home range."

Narration of Slide 23

Listen to the Audio (MP3, 349 KB) or read the transcript:

According to the Bureau of the Census, the elderly are less likely to change residence than other age groups. In 1999 only 4.2% of elderly households had moved since 1998 (compared to 16.5% of persons under 65). Among those people who were movers, home ownership declined from 60% to 48%.

Home ownership is important to a great segment of older Americans... it is their greatest single asset. For those living on limited and fixed incomes, the home becomes - literally - a bank deposit for living expenses and health care in the later stages of life. Creative programs such as reverse mortgages can provide financial support for older adults - and continuance in their home.

Previous Slide Next Slide Segment Index Home First Slide Last Slide

Top Of Page

Designing for the Life Span Segment 4

Slide 23 of 78

Slide 23 Content

Narration of Slide 23