November 2024 Newsletter

Written By Kathy Pillsbury

Have you made a plan for living well as you age? A lively discussion in Newton tackles housing challenges for older adults.

Over 100 concerned residents joined together over Zoom and at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek in West Newton on a crisp October evening, drawn by some common questions: Will our homes accommodate our needs as we age? Can we downsize and stay in our community?  Or, can our parents downsize and stay close by in Newton? 

These are questions many of us avoid, perhaps picturing a distant future. However, as Jen Molinsky, Director of the Housing and Aging Society Program at Harvard University, pointed out, the time to plan is now – not when you suddenly need more accessible or more supportive housing.

Many older adults face the difficult choice between staying in a home that no longer works for them versus leaving the community they love.

"Newton has good bones for housing seniors," Molinsky asserted, highlighting the city's many walkable village centers and neighborhoods, widespread access to public transportation, and a wealth of accessible amenities. Newton has the potential to be a genuinely age-friendly city. 

However, housing and care options still need to be improved. There is too little accessible, affordable housing and care services in Newton.

The squeeze: Rising costs and changing needs

Molinsky painted a stark picture of the financial pressures facing seniors. Fixed incomes struggle to keep pace with rising housing costs, forcing many to choose between housing, healthcare, and basic necessities. Lizbeth Heyer, President of 2Life Communities, echoed this concern, emphasizing the urgent need for more affordable housing options, and ways to share and bring down the cost of home care. 

"We need a wider range of choices," Heyer explained, "from independent living to supportive housing that can adapt to changing needs." She stressed the importance of integrating care services into housing, allowing seniors to age in place with dignity and independence. This could include everything from help with daily tasks to access to healthcare and social activities.

A yawning gap

Folks who own a home and/or earn above 160% of the median income likely have sufficient resources to buy into a community care facility like Opus, a new 2Life community, which is under construction here in Newton. But Heyer explained that among all of the 2Life facilities in MA, there is a waiting list of over 8,000 individuals. Folks who qualify for Medicaid may have access to subsidized housing and services. But Molinsky explained that these are not entitlements, and only a third of those who qualify are served. 

Then, there is the larger senior population, which falls in the middle. Those who retire with fewer assets, perhaps own their home but cannot afford to retrofit to make it accessible, etc

What are some ideas for Newton?

Heyer laid out some diverse housing options from Newton and elsewhere: independent living in accessible buildings near villages (1151 Walnut St.); independent living with access to shared care services (Opus by 2Life); elder housing with deed restricted affordable units (Haywood House); multi-generational living through co-housing (Carehaus or Takoma Village Cohousing) or matching younger folks with older adults with large homes; ADUs; land trusts (West Charlotte, NC; assisted living facilities (Sunset Senior Living); or continuing care communities (Lasell Village).

Molinksy pointed out that although we do not have control over the cost of construction or interest rates, we do have local control of the regulatory framework that we can use to enable more housing development.

She suggested looking at ways to allow more accessible housing in and  near villages as a place to start. This would allow older adults who may no longer drive or who drive much less to walk out their door and be a part of the community.

A community conversation

Attendees voiced their concerns and exchanged personal stories. Questions flew: How can we make existing homes more accessible? What about the role of home equity and reverse mortgages? Could Medicare play a larger role in supporting home care services? These concerns and experiences were clearly shared across attendees.

The energy in the room was palpable, a testament to the community's commitment to finding solutions. Molinsky and Heyer emphasized the importance of advocacy and collective action. "Talk to your elected officials," they urged (happily, several city councilors were in the room). "Support organizations working to promote more housing options. Volunteer your time to help seniors in your community.

Newton's potential: A city for all ages

The event left attendees with a sense of direction and a call to action. Newton has the potential to be a model for age-friendly living, but it requires a concerted effort from residents, policymakers, and community organizations.

By embracing innovative solutions and fostering a culture of inclusivity, Newton can ensure that its seniors have a place to call home.

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Take Action

  • Educate yourself about senior housing issues.

  • Contact your elected officials about the need for more diverse senior housing, including options for middle income seniors.

  • Support organizations that are creating affordable housing for older adults. 

Resources

Kathy Pillsbury
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