Principal Investigator Joseph Coughlin
Project Website http://agelab.mit.edu.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/age-readiness-retirement-living-alternatives
Many older adults choose to relocate from their ‘family home’ to retirement communities. These communities often promise easier living, a simpler downsized environment, and the promise of an active lifestyle. However, are these home designed for aging? AgeLab is conducting a study to better understand if housing and communities designed for older adults are in fact ‘age-ready.’ Accessibility, technology integration, connectivity with a larger community, design and other features must come together as a coherent support system to make a house a home for later life. This work will produce a standardized assessment tool, guidance to developers, area agencies on aging, community planners and zoning boards, real estate management firms, government agencies, insurers and ultimately to older adults.