Affordable Housing Month: Why Housing Matters for Aging Adults

Affordable Housing Month, recognized each May, is more than just a line on the calendar — it’s a crucial reminder that stable, secure, and affordable homes are foundational to thriving communities. As housing costs soar and waiting lists grow longer, the impact on older adults is especially alarming. Housing is not just about shelter. For aging adults, it’s about health, independence, and dignity.

At AllThrive 365, we believe housing is a human right. This month, we’re raising awareness about the critical role housing affordability plays in healthy aging and why now is the time to act.

The Link Between Housing and Healthy Aging

Appropriate housing supports older adults physically, mentally, and socially. A safe, accessible home helps prevent falls, reduces hospital visits, and provides a base for care and community connection. On the flip side, unstable housing can lead to isolation, worsened chronic conditions, and a steep decline in overall well-being.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 30% of Arizona households with residents aged 65 and older spend more than 30% of their income on housing, classifying them as cost-burdened. This financial strain can lead to difficult choices between paying for housing, healthcare, or other necessities, adversely affecting older adults’ overall well-being.

As Arizona’s older population grows, the demand for affordable senior housing is outpacing supply. Too many older adults are being priced out of their neighborhoods, left on long waiting lists, or forced into unsafe or unsuitable living conditions.

7 Ways Affordable Housing Supports Aging Adults

Here’s how affordable housing directly benefits older adults:

Stability and Security: Affordable homes offer long-term stability, reducing the risk of eviction or displacement that many older adults face due to rising rents.
Better Health Outcomes: Safe, clean housing is directly linked to better health. Housing is healthcare, especially for older adults managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Access to Services and Support: Many independent living communities are located near public transit and health clinics or provide on-site support, helping reduce isolation and improve access to care.
Reduced Financial Stress: Older adults on fixed incomes often spend more than 50% of their income on rent. Low-income housing allows older adults to afford other essentials such as food, medication, and transportation.
Age-Appropriate Design: Senior apartments and affordable senior housing are typically built or retrofitted for accessibility, with features like grab bars, no-step entries, and elevators.
Community Connection: Affordable senior housing fosters a sense of belonging and social interaction, which is proven to reduce depression and cognitive decline.
Prevention of Homelessness: Without housing subsidies or affordable apartments, more older adults are falling into homelessness, especially women and people of color. Preventing this begins with stable housing.

The Challenges: Why Aging Adults Are Being Left Behind

While the benefits are clear, the barriers are growing. Arizona is experiencing one of the nation’s most severe affordable housing shortages. According to “Inside Arizona’s Housing Crisis,” the state is short more than 270,000 housing units.

Older adults are particularly at risk:

Rising Rent, Fixed Incomes: As rents rise faster than Social Security payments, many older adults can’t keep up. Waiting lists for low-income apartments often stretch for years.
Shortage of Senior-Specific Housing: There is simply not enough affordable senior housing available. Many older adults find themselves in general low-income housing without the accessibility features or community support they need.
Complex Navigation Systems: Applying for assistance can be confusing and time-consuming. Navigating rental help programs or locating appropriate housing options is a significant barrier for many older adults and caregivers.
Deferred Maintenance and Unsafe Living Conditions: Older adults who own homes often struggle to afford repairs. Home repair assistance is vital in preventing accidents and maintaining dignity.

These challenges are poised to intensify as Arizona’s aging population grows rapidly. As of 2025, approximately 18.6% of Arizona’s population — about 1.35 million people — are 65 or older, surpassing the national average of 16.8%. By 2030, nearly one in four Arizonans is expected to be over the age of 60. This demographic shift will likely exacerbate existing issues. Without proactive planning and investment, the gap between the needs of older adults and available resources will continue to widen.

What You Can Do: Resources and Actions

Even small steps can make a big difference. If you or someone you know is exploring housing options in Arizona, start with AllThrive 365’s housing resource center or use our guide to senior housing options. These tools can help you navigate choices and find the best fit.

Share what you learn. Raising awareness about Affordable Housing Month and circulating trusted resources from AllThrive 365’s library can help others take action or access support.

You can also advocate locally. Speak up for the development of more affordable apartments and senior apartments in your area. Show up to community meetings or write to your city officials to demand inclusive housing policies.

Finally, consider volunteering or donating. Whether it’s supporting groups that build low-income housing, helping with home repairs, or giving to causes that promote housing affordability, your contribution matters.

AllThrive 365: Our Mission

At AllThrive 365, we believe everyone — regardless of age or income — deserves a safe, affordable place to live. Our mission is rooted in the idea that when people have secure housing, they have the foundation to thrive every day of the year. That’s especially true for older adults.

This Affordable Housing Month, let’s reaffirm that housing affordability is not just an economic issue — it’s a public health, equity, and human dignity issue. Let’s commit to building a future where every aging adult has access to affordable senior housing, safe environments, and the opportunity to live independently for as long as possible.

Together, we can create communities where everyone can afford to grow older with grace and security.

Established in 1974, AllThrive 365 provides integrated, customized care in the Phoenix area for those who need it. We offer a wide range of home- and community-based services, including:

These programs enable Arizonans of all backgrounds to age with confidence. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their needs met, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help. And, if possible, consider donating or volunteering your time to our mission. We can’t wait to work with you!

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