AARP says 25 percent of baby boomers will move

One in four baby boom generation households expect to move in the future, with the majority looking for a single-level home that is more comfortable or convenient, according to an AARP survey released Nov. 25.

According to the survey, 79 percent of baby boomers said they would like to stay in their current homes for as long as possible, and less than 10 percent said they would like to stay but don't think they will be able to do so.

Many survey respondents who expect to move said they will be looking for a better house, a better climate or a home that is closer to family and friends. More than half of baby boomers between the ages of 45 and 64 who anticipate moving expect to look for homes that are on one level.

Roughly half of survey respondents indicated that they will look for newer or smaller homes.

Older members of the survey group were more likely to believe they would move into single-level homes - 68 percent versus 54 percent - but age is not the only factor that affects expectations.

According to the survey, men are more likely than women to believe they will move into newer homes (61 percent vs. 42 percent) or move into a home in a warmer climate (41 percent vs. 25 percent).

"While boomers will reflect the patterns of earlier generations and mostly age in place, the sheer number of boomers will increase demand for a whole variety of home and community options," said AARP Senior Vice President Elinor Ginzler, in a news release.

According to the AARP, the number of people 65 years and older is expected to grow to 70 million by 2030.

The poll was conducted for AARP by Opinion Research Corp., and results were released to coincide with the announcement of the 2008 Livable Communities Awards from AARP and the National Association of Home Builders honoring innovative thinking in the field of home and community design.

The Livable Communities Awards are presented annually to builders, remodelers and developers for projects that incorporate:

• design elements that accommodate residents with all levels of physical ability from children through grandparents;

• easy access to community services and features such as retail, restaurants, medical, social and cultural activities, as well as viable transportation options;

• improved energy efficiency; and

• better communication with key stakeholders.