Course Description
Housing needs and conditions, housing alternatives, legislation, and current programs related to housing an aging population. Survey of current housing is compared to proposals for effectively meeting more of the housing needs of older people.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to read more extensively,
beyond the requirements of undergraduates. Graduate students
will review academic literature and analyze primary data in
order to write a 10-page research paper on a specific topic as
it relates to housing issues facing our aging population or the
present generation of older adults.
Athena Title
Housing an Aging Population
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Recognize the diversity of housing needs of aging and older persons. Understand the current housing conditions of aging and older persons. Analyze the factors affecting living arrangements and housing of the aged. Evaluate the impacts of housing alternatives on the aging population. Identify and evaluate current legislation and programs designed to meet the unique housing needs of older people. Analyze federal housing policies regarding the aging population and older adults.
Topical Outline
Problems in conventional dwellings and neighborhoods Localities with large concentration of older residents Planned-age segregated housing for active and independent retirees Financial relief of the older homeowner Rent-subsidized housing for the lower-income older adults Home and community-based formal care; using formal care: barriers and benefits Household strategies: sharing space with family or housemate Group housing options for less independent older adults Continuing care (life care) retirement facilities: multiple levels of shelter and care Public opposition, land-use restrictions, and the Fair Housing Act
Syllabus