A perspective based on several sources of insight is presented to support the argument that safer, more healthful, more usable housing is not detrimental to affordability. Insights focused on the vulnerability of a population group, elderly persons, to fall-related injuries in homes come from involvement with a variety of conferences and programs in the last two decades. Related to this vulnerability is the growing philosophical movement focused on "Universal Design;" the results of two major international conferences on this movement are reported. Finally, insights are drawn from the growing field of home modification triggered by functional mismatches between what the home environment provides and what its users need, especially because of personal aging. A striking theme common in these insights is the large cost of dysfunctional homes to individuals, families and society. Such costs often greatly exceed the costs of providing more functional housing. Sub-themes include distortions of the housing market that appear to be unique in the USA partly because of federal tax policies that have rewarded well-off consumers while ignoring others with reduced economic clout. Moreover, many home builders and home buyers have been spoiled by the relatively good, but inequitably distributed economic conditions in recent years. Finally, there is the semantic distinction often made in discussions about housing in the U.S. There is "affordable housing" and there is everything else that is never referred to as "unaffordable housing," but this may well turn out to be the ultimate reality for individuals, families and society.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Housing, Access
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Emloyment