People are getting more concerned about living in their own homes as they age, found "Fixing to Stay," a survey done by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Through 2,000 random phone calls, the AARP also discovered people are making simple changes, such as nonskid bathtub strips and higher-wattage light bulbs to increase safety and accessibility.

Of 100 million housing units, fewer than 10% have accessibility features. The AARP goal is to go beyond the Americans With Disabilities Act and make housing more ergonomically correct. To promote accessibility and universal design, Dick Duncan, director of the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University, said that health care should include housing. People should be able to get information on housing modifications from health care providers, Duncan said.

Since AARP has done this survey starting in 1986, the survey age has lowered its participant age range from 60 to 45. #207

Fahey, M. (2000, May 5). Helping the elderly with independent living. Washington Times.

Keyword: Housing

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