Date: October 23rd

Time: 12:00pm

Location: Virtual

RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YMs1getXQymrcSxYGG-JkQ#/registration

AARP Wisconsin is pleased to announce a special 60-minute presentation exploring age-friendly and universal housing for all ages and stages of life.

Madison has a long history of diversity in age and ability. The 20th century witnessed a rise in the number of people with disabilities across all age groups, followed by this century’s significant growth in the aging population. Madison’s population of those over age 60 was 15.9% in 2020, with a large number of emerging older adults following right behind. Projections predict that within two decades, one in four Wisconsin residents will be 65 or older, compared to one in six currently.

Despite the desire of 75% of adults 50 and over to age in place, as reported by a 2024 AARP study, many Madison seniors struggle to do so safely due to challenges navigating their homes. These challenges often involve entering and exiting their home, bathroom use, kitchen use, and even accessing bedrooms. The consequence is a less safe and more isolated life for these older adults compared to what they could experience in better-suited housing.

Due to a demographic surge and the limitations of our traditional home designs, some residents of Madison may need to explore home renovation options. Others, however, would be better served by seeking a new home nearby that requires less maintenance, is smaller, and incorporates key design features for successful aging in place. These features could include a graded, step-free entrance, a bathroom with age-friendly fixtures and layout, a kitchen with a lower microwave for easy access, and easy-to-reach storage cabinets, along with a range with front-located controls, among many others.

Vision: Change home design and construction practices in Madison to create more age-friendly housing options.

Goals: The presentation will explore key features to include in homes that can enhance safety and independence for older adults, in a manner that appeals to a diverse audience, including younger and middle-aged households.

Our target audiences include:

• Any resident of the City of Madison and the surrounding area
• Industry stakeholders such as:
  • Home Builders
  • Housing Developers
  • Architects, Home Designers, and Remodelers
  • Interior Designers
  • Realtors
• Others who would benefit:
  • City and County Elected Officials and Staff
  • Staff from Public and Nonprofit Agencies
  • Age Friendly Madison

Presenter will be Richard Duncan, Executive Director, the RL Mace Universal Design

Institute, the nation’s authority on accessible and universal home design.