Aging in the United States

Population and demographic studies indicated that adults ages 65 and older, and the baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are reshaping America’s older population.

The current growth of the population ages 65 and older, driven by the large the baby boom generation, is unprecedented in U.S. history. As they have passed through each major stage of life, baby boomers have brought both challenges and opportunities to the economy, infrastructure, and institutions.

Since my mother moved from Japan to Hawaii and started living with me in 2010, I realized many homes are not suitable for the lifestyle of her generations. I encountered the design needs of the elderly and I realized that most housing conditions are not suitable from a universal design standpoint. I wanted to contribute to the needs of aging Americans.

In the past three weeks, Location Hawaii, that is focusing on the universal design homes for Hawaiian Kapuna, invited me to speak to their agents and invited me as a guest speaker to their English and Japanese seminars.

95% of American seniors would like to stay at home and stay in the communities they are familiar with. Unfortunately, 85% of them have not touched their home renovations for their upcoming retirement time. There is not enough senior facilities for all Hawaiian Kapuna and the need for modifying their home is probably on the urgent topic.

The safe, comfortable but uplifting home is what we would like to build in beautiful Hawaii.