The current state of senior housing is in flux. Sun City retirement community in Arizona just turned 50. There is a reverse migration of retirees from the Sunbelt back to cooler climates. Some states are even advertising for seniors to move to their region. The percent of people living in senior care facilities is less than 5%. Many states are ill prepared to handle the needs of the today’s seniors, not to mention the Boomer generation. These and other considerations face today’s towns and cities.

The numbers of senior communities are rising. As the Boomers get closer to retirement they are beginning to consider their housing options. When asked, most people indicate that they prefer to live at home or age-in-place. Two-thirds of the Baby Boomers are homeowners living in their homes and 25% rent, according to the 2006 Census.

Issues related to aging-in-place extend from the home to the community-at-large. The challenges are vast and need to be discussed. Professionals working in the senior industry need to address the ways in which we can re-create the environments that help older adult’s age-in-community.