Senior housing will be a critical issue as the American populations ages, according to a new report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. | Shutterstock

Harvard?s annual state of senior housing report underscores deep challenges around inequality in an aging nation Housing in America is at an inflection point. While affordability and homeownership have become critical issues holding back the nation?s economy, the housing problems of the oldest Americans may be the most acute issue receiving the least attention. According to the latest senior housing study from The Harvard Joint Center on Housing Studies (JCHS), the challenges facing seniors and older baby boomers have become more critical.
?The time for more comprehensive, innovative policies?in the design, financing, construction, and regulation of housing, in urban planning and design, and in the provision of community services?is now,? the report, Housing America?s Older Adults 2019, concludes. ?The quality of life and well-being of a third of U.S. households depend on it.? The same issues impacting the housing market at large, including rising inequality, a shortage of affordable options, and a racial wealth gap, are also at play for older Americans. But a rising awareness that the soon-to-be retired face especially difficult economic challenges makes the issue of senior housing even more pressing.
For instance, per Harvard stats, of those households aged 50-64 right now, the median income for th...