Growing senior population causes a rise in housing options

It wasn't so long ago that grandparents in declining health could only live at home with relatives, or in a nursing home if they needed additional care. But in our increasingly aging nation, the services available for the elderly to live with grace and dignity have grown.

The options include different types of housing, along with state and federal programs designed to help seniors prepare for and adjust to their retirement years.

The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio defines senior citizen housing three ways: Independent living, assisted living, and nursing care.

Two local women, Irene Jordan, 95, and Harriette Johnson, 67, chose to live on their own but in senior independent housing, rather than in their own homes or with relatives.

Mrs. Jordan, 95, who worked for 32 years as an elevator operator in the coat department at the former downtown LaSalle's department store, lived with a grandson before finding independent housing.

"After my husband died -- we were married 55 years -- I didn't want the responsibility of the house, of taking care of the yard, raking the leaves," she said. So she moved in with her grandson for a few years, then she moved into a community of villas for seniors called Lakewoods Villas in South Toledo.

"I enjoy living here. I don't have to bother about grass and snow. That's one reason I didn't keep my house. I thought I'd better get out of there before I got too old," said Mrs. Jordan, who keeps a busy schedule, driving to church and other engagements, cooking, cleaning, and gardening.

Ms. Johnson moved to Toledo from Chattanooga, Tenn., to be close to family and found senior independent housing in South Toledo at Lakewoods Apartments. Though a disability influenced her housing choice, her decision has a practical basis: If something needs repair, the apartment complex fixes it.

She understands how seniors who have their own homes feel about leaving them. She feels some loss from no longer having her own house, but said that living in an apartment does not hinder her independence.

"I had to give that up; I wasn't able to do [yard work] anymore," she said. "I feel more independent. Things I want to do, I can still do them. I'm still comfortable with being independent."

Aging populace

For some time now the media have extolled the graying of our nation. Nancy LeaMond, an AARP national strategist and lobbyist in Washington, underscored that point last year when she told a Cleveland audience that seniors are healthier, wealthier, and more diverse than the elderly of previous generations.

"We are at the epicenter of a dramatic transformation, a special moment in time," said Ms. LeaMond, the executive vice president of the AARP's State and National Group.

U.S. Census Bureau figures reflect that sentiment: In 1900, just 4.1 percent of the nation's population was 65 or older; by 2012 that had risen to 13.8 percent, and by 2050, one in five of us -- 20.9 percent -- will be 65 and older.

Lucas County and Ohio are a bit grayer, according to the census. Ohio's 2012 population showed that 14.7 percent of the state's 11.5 million residents were 65 and older. Meanwhile, a 2013 census estimate shows that 14.2 percent of Lucas County's residents are 65 and older. But, the same report shows a younger overall makeup in Toledo, which had 12.1 percent of its residents 65 and older.

In Lucas County, there are 69 independent senior housing apartment complexes. Some may have hand rails and pull cords, but all are designed for older adults who can take care of themselves.

Seniors in relatively good health continue to live independently in the homes in which they raised their families. However, many others -- like Mrs. Jordan and Ms. Johnson -- choose condo or apartment living and don't worry about the maintenance of a private dwelling.

Whatever the housing and the health of seniors, a foremost concern is safety. A safety check list is available for anyone to review at AARP.org, then search for "home safety."

Money matters

A senior's finances may often dictate whether he or she chooses one of the three subcategories in independent senior housing: subsidized housing, such as senior-only apartments; private pay housing for which residents receive no subsidy, and seniors in their own private homes. That's why many people want to know how much savings are "enough" to have for their retirement years.

As it happens, "enough" is subjective, pointed out Lori Trawinski, director of banking and finance for the financial security team at the AARP Public Policy Institute.

"The question asked is a classic financial planning question," said Ms. Trawinski, who suggests people should try to be as specific as possible when considering their income and expenses.

"There is no single number or percentage that can be used to answer the question for everyone -- it depends on many factors," she said. "The starting point is developing a detailed budget that includes expected income in retirement, including income from investment assets, pensions, Social Security, and savings."

Contact Rose Russell at: rrussell@theblade.com or 419-724-6178.

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