by Eileen Ringnalda
Communications Intern
Iowa State University Extension to Communities
Iowa is growing older.
Of all 50 states, Iowa has the greatest percentage of adults over 80 and ranks number three in the percentage of people 65 and older.
"These statistics coupled with research that indicates elderly want to stay in their homes present Iowa communities with some housing problems," said Wayne Kobberdahl, Iowa State University Extension community development specialist.
In addition to housing shortages in many Iowa communities, housing issues related specifically to Iowa's aging population need attention, Kobberdahl said. A growing concern for accessibility and quality of life for retired people has prompted discussion of senior housing needs among Iowa's community leaders.
"There is a real concern about where the aging population is going to live," said Jeanne Trachta, ISU Extension family life specialist. "We hope to see them age in place so that people can stay in their homes and age where they want to be."
Studies conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons indicate that an increasing number of elderly want to age in place, or continue living in their own homes. In 1986, 78 percent of those surveyed said they desired to age in place and by 1989, the percentage rose to 86.
The AARP's survey in 1992 indicated that 84 percent of Americans 55 and over prefer to stay in their current home and not move. But only 6 percent of older Americans live in housing designed for older adults.
"Quality of life depends on the living situation and relationships," Trachta said.
Mary Yearns, ISU Extension housing specialist, agreed that older Americans aging in place may not have a high quality of life because most homes do not fit the needs of retired people.
"Although a vast amount of older Americans want to stay in place, they are staying in homes that were not designed for older people to age in place. Many steps, bathrooms, doorways and turning spaces do not accommodate wheel chairs, walkers or crutches," Yearns said.
In addition to concerns about accessibility, recent studies have raised questions about the condition of Iowa homes.
Iowa's housing stock is aging along with its population. Thirty-five percent of homes in Iowa are 55 years old or older, while the national average for homes built before 1940 is only 18 percent.
"As people age, their housing also grows older. Indeed, older people age in place and, as a result, their housing may become old and inferior and in need of repair," wrote Joyce Mercier, ISU professor of human development, in an assessment of Iowa's elderly in 1992.
Mercier said that housing can be either an asset or a burden for older people. "It is a burden when they own an older home and the cost of utilities, taxes, insurance, repair and maintenance are very high," she said.
These issues are the focus of a four-state conference called Mid-America and its Future. This annual conference was the first to devote its focus to senior housing options and strategies.
In response to learning about issues surrounding senior housing at the Mid-America Conference, the Page County Senior Housing Task Force was formed in southwest Iowa. The group met regularly from January 1993 to October 1994 to look at trends in senior housing and new alternatives. They were sponsored by the Page County Extension Council and consisted of residents from every community in the county.
Ron Sanson, Page County ISU Extension education director, said that the group explored several housing options including residential care and converting existing buildings into housing units for groups of retired people to live on their own. Kobberdahl added that the committee tried to educate others of the need to help the elderly age in place and retrofit homes to meet the needs of aging people.
"A large number of elderly in Iowa retire and move out of state for housing that meets their needs. We would like them to stay in Iowa. They have a lot of experience that can benefit our communities, they are leaders in communities and they have time to devote as community volunteers," Kobberdahl said. "There are a lot of things we can do to help elderly have a good quality of life in their home."
Contacts:
Terry L. Besser, ISU
Extension Sociology, (515) 294-6508
Del Marks, ISU Extension
Communication Systems, (515) 294-9807
