Aging in Place, Housing and the Law

USC gerontologist delivers 2008 Anne F. Baum Memorial Elder Law lecture at the University of Illinois College of Law

On March 3rd, the USC Davis School’s Jon Pynoos traveled to the University of Illinois College of Law as an honored guest to deliver the 2008 Anne F. Baum Memorial Elder Law Lecture.

After a brief introduction by Illinois Dean Charles J. Tabb, Pynoos discussed the need for new policies to help modify existing housing for elders and called for an increased selection of housing options in the aged community.   

Pynoos began with a study that indicated over 89 percent of people age 65 and up would prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible and never leave.  This phenomenon is known as the desire to “age in place.”  

“Aging in place is often hindered by housing which, in spite of legislation, remains inaccessible and unsupportive, pushing frail older people towards settings such as nursing homes,” he said to an overflow crowd in the school’s Max L. Rowe Auditorium.

The three biggest problems older people encounter within the home, Pynoos said, are getting in and out of the house, up and down stairs and safely using the bathroom.  To help rectify this problem, reparations to the home can help improve safety, however, Pynoos said, “one million Americans have unmet needs for home modifications.”  While Medicare reimburses for durable medical equipment and Medicaid pays for some home fixes, most of the funding for home modification is paid for out-of-pocket and services are not widely available. 

Problems also exist in subsidized housing for elders because of the expensive cost of services and the physical design of the buildings, often intended for people who are completely independent. 

Pynoos advocated the development of housing based on principles of universal design, which strives for optimal functionality for all people, not just elders or those with disabilities.  Examples of universally designed components within the home include accessible flooring, supportive bars in the shower and bathroom, bathrooms large enough to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs and variable height counters. 

He also supported Naturally Occuring Retirement Communities or NORC’s, which often allow elders to share resources.  These arrangements, Pynoos said, offer housing for people from a variety of incomes, provide additional units for intergenerational dwelling and architecture that allows for ideal mobility.  Currently, 27 percent of older people live in a building or neighborhood where more than 50 percent of the residents are over the age of 60.  These communities allow for economies of scale in the delivery of services.

“The ultimate goal is to develop age-friendly communities that connect people to healthcare, transportation activities and services,” Pynoos said.  “We need a paradigm shift in society that embraces concepts of inclusion and accessibility.”

Afterwards, Dean Tabb praised Pynoos’ presentation.

“Professor Pynoos was able to provide valuable insight on a significant and growing social issue concerning our elderly population. We were delighted that he could come to Illinois to present his research, expertise and analysis to a large crowd of faculty, staff, students, local realtors, campus and community members."

The Ann F. Baum Memorial Lecture on Elder Law at the University of Illinois College of Law promotes debate and discussion about the law's ability to affect the conditions of older people throughout society.

Dave Johnson, Assistant Dean for Communications, University of Illinois College of Law contributed to this report.