| A projected substantial increase in the elderly population creates potential problems in housing. Assisted living, an intermediate stage of housing for the elderly, is beneficial to society as well as seniors. Any support beyond shelter provision may be considered assisted living. Traditional views of assisted living are expanded in this thesis in order to incorporate alternative senior housing forms, such as shared housing, co-housing and senior apartments. The diversity of the senior population makes it difficult to create suitable housing for all, but the existing housing stock and alternative housing may already hold part of the answer. Due to sheer numbers and predicted political clout, the future for seniors is optimistic. Prevailing agist attitudes often hinder the improvement of the senior lifestyle. Case studies from western San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles counties bring to light realities and solutions to assisting seniors in living a better quality life. |
