Housing for Older Adults: New Lessons from the Past

Abstract

Despite the fact that it has been nearly 40 years since the first residents moved into the first leisure-oriented retirement communities (LORCs), housing issues remain an important component of gerontological discussions. A part of the reason is that, although much progress has been made, we still do not have a coherent housing policy nor do we even agree that one is necessary. LORCs are among many different housing alternatives that could provide direction in the formulation of such a policy. Using data collected in the late 1970s through the early 1990s, this article explores the lessons learned.