To many older adults, there’s no place like home — but repairs and safety can get in the way

Staying put in their own homes, according to AARP, is what most adults 50+ say they want as they age. However, the costs of home maintenance, property taxes and safety concerns can close the door on that idea. A local non-profit is stepping in to help make homes age-friendly for older residents.

Victoria Blue, who goes by Vee, is a retiree determined to age in the home she bought eleven years ago in Nashville’s Parkwood community. Over time, it fell into disrepair and became unsafe — and the estimates some contractors gave were unaffordable. Then Blue learned about the non-profit Rebuilding Together. It helps older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities and limited income repair their homes and be less costly to maintain.

The project to upgrade Blue’s house is told in this feature (press play above). It was produced by WPLN Editor and Afternoon Host LaTonya Turner as part of our monthly series NEXT AGE. We’re having conversations about longevity and reframing aging in a way that benefits all of us, no matter where we are in life.

You can hear the full This is Nashville episode, Money moves for longevity, here.