Adaptation of Products that Promote Aging-in-Place to Increase Even After Pandemic Passes

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted the challenges faced by the senior housing segment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many older US consumers and their families are concerned about the safety of such housing options, considering that many have seen COVID-19 outbreaks among residents and staff. Therefore, many are more seriously looking into how they can remain safely in their homes instead.

Older citizens have chosen to design their residences with senior-friendly features in order to “age-in-place” and delay or prevent the need to move to assisted living. Homes can incorporate a wide range of elements that facilitate aging-in-place, including:

• walk-in bathtubs and showers with integrated seating and grab bars
• toilets with elevated seats
• sinks, showerheads, and toilets with “touchless” sensors that can be easily operated by those with arthritis or other issues
• cabinets with doors that can be opened by simply pushing on them (instead of a pull or handle)
• cabinets and countertops with integrated LED lighting
• single-floor living and ramps instead of stairs (both inside and outside the home)

Going forward, builders and homeowners will continue to respond to this need by incorporating more of these features into residences. In addition to older homeowners opting to invest in remodeling their homes for aging-in-place, increasing numbers of other consumers will specify these products, as they not only enhance the convenience of their homes but also promote good hygiene, as such features as touchless faucets and cabinet doors minimize the risk of disease transmission.

For more information, see The Freedonia Group’s collection of research and analysis on the construction, building product, and elder care industries. Additional targeted research is available from Freedonia Custom Research.