LIVING IT UP
THE HOUSING MARKET FOR AGING BOOMERS IS GROWING
BY BILL SESSA
SHUTTERSTOCK ILLUSTRATION
The Baby Boomer Generation — the approximately 76 million people born between 1946 and 1964 — represent the biggest population surge in the country ’ s history .
According to the California Department of Aging , there are still more than half a million people over the age of 60 in Sacramento and the seven surrounding counties that make up a large part of the Capital Region . It ’ s also a group that ’ s expected to grow three times faster than the general population , the result of decreased birth rates in younger generations and improved medical technology .
With college , careers and childraising behind them , this population has changing housing needs . Just as they created booming subdivisions in their younger days , boomers are now creating a growing demand for downsized housing that ranges from resortstyle luxury and gated communities for the 55-and-older crowd to low-cost affordable apartments and facilities that provide skilled help with the aches and pains of getting older .
The most popular housing option for seniors combines the independence of
78 comstocksmag . com | June 2022