If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: Older Americans want to age in place in their own homes, and they also want to remain in their current communities. But these desires could clash with a reality that many communities across the country simply don’t have the resources to support seniors, according to a recent article from HomeCare.In December, AARP published its 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey. It found that despite the overwhelming desires of seniors to remain in their homes as they get older, there is significant policy work to do nationwide and inside individual communities to better align with these preferences.Deb Whitman, executive vice president and chief policy officer for AARP, spoke with HomeCare about what the organization is seeing as the challenges continue to persist, and she dove more deeply into the survey results and their implications.“We need to find ways to make it easier to age in place,” Whitman said. “The ideal living situation is not only about health and safety, but also about joy, purpose and connection — whether aging in place means staying in your home, remaining in your community or simply living anywhere but a nursing home, having options is what matters most.”Homes and communities, she added, are simply unequipped to meet future demand as the U.S. population tilts increasingly in an older direction. Fewer than 1% of existing single-family homes are wheelchair accessible, while fewer than 4% are not easily modified to account for mobility challenges that naturally emerge in later life.“As our nation ages at a historic rate, the stakes couldn’t be higher,” Whitman said.But there could also be a business opportunity for the remodeling industry due to these needs, according to a recent trade publication report that assessed the health of the remodeling industry.While market conditions are stalling larger-scale remodeling projects, consumers who seek remodeling work are focused on efforts that could serve to increase home values and to “future-proof” homes for later life and aging in place, according to the article at Kitchen & Bath Design News.AARP also recently highlighted the potential role of implementing more technology into aging-in-place processes and goals. It found that older adults are largely comfortable with using more technology in their daily lives and find it useful as they seek to age in place, particularly as a tool for health management.

Who says gardening is just for spring and summer? Winter gardening is where the real magic happens. While the world outside might be covered in snow and ice, your home garden can still be buzzing with life. From the best houseplants for your space to indoor herb gardens that keep the flavor coming, these winter garden ideas offer many ways to grow plants through the cold months.Whether you’re starting an indoor garden in your new home in Hayward, CA, setting up a green oasis in your apartment in Draper, UT, or learning how to grow plants in your rental house in Coconut Creek, FL, we’ve got some fun and creative ideas to keep your green thumb thriving—no matter how chilly it gets outside.1. Start with the basicsWhen it comes to planning your winter garden ideas, it’s all about starting with the basics. Jumping into a home garden without considering the factors involved can lead to frustration or, worse, missed opportunities. Instead, take a step back and start with what’s available locally—your home garden can thrive just by making the most of what’s nearby.“Make a list of the plants that are readily available to you through your local nursery, co-op, or farmers’ market,” recommends Rosemarie at Our Temenos, an ecologically-oriented garden and landscape design company based in Brooklyn, NY. “Focus on researching what those plants need and narrow down the list by identifying what you can reasonably provide.” Starting with accessible plants helps you avoid the frustration of hunting down rare varieties and instead focus on those that will thrive in your environment. But it’s not just about the plants themselves—it’s also about the environment you’re providing for them. “Do you have full sun in your bedroom window? Is the kitchen drafty because of the door to the backyard?” Rosemarie questions. “Once you figure out what the plants need you can be realistic about what you can provide. Starting here will ensure success which builds confidence over the long term.” By taking the time to understand your space and what it can offer, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful and enjoyable winter houseplant care experience.2. Choose plants that match your lifestyle Starting an indoor garden is one of the best ways to add some fresh, vibrant life to your home when the weather outside is anything but inviting, and the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated or stress you out. Whether you’re a gardening newbie or just hunting for some indoor winter garden ideas, the key to getting started is picking the right plants. According to Josh Harrison, director of The Balcony Garden, a handmade pots and planters company, “Kickstart your indoor garden by matching plants to your lifestyle—Peace Lilies or Spider Plants are forgiving picks.” These are a couple of the best plants for apartments because they’re low-maintenance and can handle a little neglect. By picking plants that are easygoing, you’ll be able to focus on enjoying your new indoor oasis instead of worrying if they’ll survive the season.Once you’ve picked the right plants, it’s time to give them the care they need to thrive. “Ensure they receive adequate sunlight—near a south-facing window or under grow lights—and use well-draining pots to prevent root rot,” Harrison advises. With just a little attention and the right techniques, your indoor garden will bloom beautifully all season long. 3. Consider which windows work best for youWhen you’re taking a look at winter garden ideas for your home, one of the most important things to think about is how much light your plants will get. Every space is different, and the direction your windows face can make all the difference in which plants will do well in your home.“It’s important to consider which direction your windows face,” states Krissy de Groot, owner and lead designer of Myrtle and Magnolia, a florist in Philadelphia, PA. By understanding the light your space gets throughout the day, you can choose plants that will be happiest in their new environment.For example, if you’re lucky enough to have a south-facing window, you’ve got the perfect spot for sun-loving plants. “If you have a southern-facing window, you should use plants that thrive in bright light, such as cacti and succulents,” de Groot shares. On the flip side, if your window faces north, you’ll need plants that can handle lower light conditions. “If your window faces north, you should use low-light plants such as Snake Plants and ZZ Plants. Medium to bright light plants love east and west-facing windows,” the Philadelphia florist concludes.4. Try out the Kratky methodIf you’re looking for an easy and sustainable way to grow an indoor herb garden with minimal effort, the Kratky method might be just what you need. A simple, passive hydroponic technique for growing plants in a nutrient-rich solution without the need for pumps, electricity, or continuous water flow, the Kratky method was named after Bernard Kratky, a researcher at the University of Hawaii.“First, select a clear mason jar and add a net pot filled with clay pebbles to hold low-light tolerant herb seeds or seedlings like basil, thyme, mint, or parsley,” states Yarim Hinojosa at Plant Based Treaty. “Fill the jar with plain water or a nutrient-rich hydroponic solution and suspend the net pot partially in the water and place the mason jar near a window with indirect sunlight or under a grow light. This allows the herbs’ roots to develop naturally in the plain water or nutrient and water solution.”Hinojosa shares that as the herbs grow, they’ll need very little upkeep—just occasional checks on the water and nutrient levels to ensure a steady supply of fresh herbs for cooking. This simple hydroponic technique is a great way to grow fresh herbs indoors without needing a lot of space or complex equipment. 5. Play with different layers and textures“Creating an interior garden is a simple way to improve the health and happiness of your home, especially through the long cold winter months,” says Lauren Toohey at The Sacred Garden, a team of landscape designers, gardeners, and craftsmen in New York, NY. These winter garden ideas aren’t just about filling your space with plants—it’s about transforming your home into a lively, feel-good sanctuary that brings a burst of nature indoors when the outside world is grey and chilly.Once you’ve figured out which plants are best for your home, it’s time to get creative. “Have fun with layering different colors and textures like lush leafy monsteras, delicate ferns, and tall regal palms,” Toohey suggests. The mix of different shapes and shades will not only give your urban garden some serious depth but also make it feel like a one-of-a-kind oasis. Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you place and size your plants—experiment and find the perfect balance to really make your space pop.6. Sunlight and water are keyWhen it comes to growing plants indoors, it’s really about understanding how much light your space gets. Every room has its own amount of sunlight—some are like a sunny beach, while others might be more like a cozy, shaded nook. The trick is knowing where your plants will thrive best.“Where most people go wrong with growing plants indoors is they are misled into buying low-light plants when they should be focused on how much light their space gets,” states Plant Doctor Chris, a horticultural consultant who makes housecalls in New York City and offers virtual calls to help plant lovers across the nation care for their plants. “A good indoor garden starts with placing plants in the sunniest window you’ve got. Remember, light is food for plants, so the more light they get, the leafier they will be.”Different plants have different sunlight needs, and it’s essential to give them what they crave. Chris explains that most indoor houseplants need about one to four hours of direct sunlight, but larger plants, along with some like cacti and succulents, thrive when they’re soaked in direct sun all day long. Watering also plays a big role in keeping your plants happy and healthy. “A common beginner’s mistake is to stop watering as soon as the water comes through the bottom. The goal when watering is to saturate the plant completely and let the sun’s heat dry it out over the next few days,” says Chris. With the right amount of sunlight and a little TLC, your indoor garden will thrive and bloom beautifully throughout the year.7. Don’t forget to fertilize your plantsA thriving at-home indoor garden isn’t just about good lighting and watering—it also requires proper nutrition. Just like us, plants need the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy and grow strong. Without the right feeding, even the best winter garden ideas won’t help your plants reach their full potential.“The key to a successful indoor garden includes using a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix, and feeding regularly with a low NPK organic fertilizer for plants to ensure steady, balanced nutrition,” says Steven Devloo, founder and CEO of Earthworm Technologies, an organic plant food product company. Consistent fertilization helps keep your plants healthy and happy by providing them with the essential nutrients they need to grow strong and vibrant.“Pro tip: since indoor air can be dry, grouping plants together or placing a small dish of water nearby can help maintain healthy humidity levels,” Devloo adds.This simple trick can work wonders for your plants, giving them the humidity boost they need to stay lush, happy, and thriving like they’re on a tropical vacation.8. Work with low-maintenance houseplants“To grow a gloriously green indoor garden that will accent and add interest into your home, selecting low-maintenance houseplants in a variety of colors, textures, and growing habits whose needs match that of the lighting in your space is a great winter garden idea,” shares the team at The Plant Farm, an online plant shop with a retail store in Spokane Valley, WA. By choosing the right plants, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance oasis that thrives even during the colder months.For first-time plant owners, there are plenty of excellent winter garden ideas. “Popular medium-to-low light, low water examples include Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Schefflera, Peperomia, Dracaena, Aglaonema, Pothos, Pilea, and Nerve Plants,” The Plant Farm team adds. These hardy plants are perfect for those with less time to devote to plant care but still want a lush garden. With their beautiful textures and colors, they can add a lot of visual interest to your space without the stress of constant maintenance.When it comes to caring for these low-maintenance plants, they recommend a simple trick: leave them in their original grower’s pots until they’re fully root-bound. “Simply place the pot into whatever decorative vessels match the aesthetic of your space.” Lastly, setting a care schedule will keep everything running smoothly. “We recommend checking the water of your plants one to three times a week, depending on the season, and never letting your plants sit in water,” the team concludes.Winter garden ideas to keep your green thumb thrivingWinter gardening is your chance to get creative and bring some cozy vibes to those chilly months. It’s about more than just surviving the cold—it’s about turning your space into a green retreat, whether you’re growing lush indoor plants, snipping fresh herbs, or playing with new garden setups. The colder months don’t have to mean a gardening hiatus. With a little planning and a few fun winter garden ideas, you can keep things growing all winter long.The post 8 Winter Garden Ideas: How to Grow Plants at Home in the Cold Months appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.

Ilana Panich-Linsman for WSJ Senior housing has been one of the biggest disappointments for commercial real-estate investors. Now thanks to millions of aging baby boomers, that may be about to change. The oldest boomers turn 80 in less than a year. And by 2030, the U.S. population 80 years and older is expected to increase by more than four million people to 18.8 million. History suggests that a growing number of people conclude at that milestone age they can no longer live comfortably or safely at home and seek a senior facility.  Many will find themselves on a wait list. Development of senior housing nearly ground to a halt during the pandemic hasn’t picked up much. The sector is expected to move from its former glut to a shortage in the next five years. More than 560,000 new units are needed to meet all the demand by 2030, but only 191,000 will be added at current development rates, according to data service NIC MAP. “We’ve never had a population pyramid that looks like this,” said Arick Morton, chief executive of NIC MAP. “The senior housing industry would need to develop twice as many units as it has ever developed in any single calendar year every year to keep up.” That means more seniors, especially those living on limited fixed incomes, will likely be priced out of senior housing or will have fewer housing options in the places they want to live, industry participants say.  High interest rates and inflated building costs are leading most senior housing developers to avoid new construction.  “Despite the attractive growth prospects of our industry, most developers have thrown in the towel due to a lack of development economics,” said Shankh Mitra, CEO of Welltower, on an earnings call last year.  Instead, Welltower went on a buying spree. The largest senior housing owner in the U.S. spent $6.2 billion on acquisitions during the first three quarters of 2024, up from the $5.9 billion it spent in all of 2023. Ventas, another large owner, said on an earnings call last year that its “overarching capital allocation priority” is buying existing communities. Acquisitions look more attractive because senior housing communities today can be purchased for less than what it would cost to build them. Prices are rising but they are still about 20% to 30% below what they were in 2019, investors say. “It doesn’t make sense today to put shovels in the ground except for a handful of top-tier deals,” said David Selznick, chief investment officer of Kayne Anderson Real Estate, a big investor in the sector. Wall Street likes this strategy, too. Ventas and Welltower outperformed the all equity REIT index by an average 28 percentage points in 2024, according to real-estate analytics firm Green Street. The senior housing sector suffered huge losses during the pandemic. Demand nosedived due to high infection rates, loss of life and social-distancing restrictions imposed on residents and their families.  Labor shortages sent costs soaring. Many projects defaulted on their mortgages after interest rates spiked. Occupancy rates last year finally returned to prepandemic levels, and rent growth has resumed. But developers remain unconvinced that the growing senior housing population will produce high enough occupancy and rent gains to justify breaking ground on new projects.For starters, Green Street says about half of seniors can’t afford private senior housing communities, which generally require residents to pay out-of-pocket and don’t accept third-party reimbursements. Average monthly rents are above $4,100 for independent living units and $6,400 for assisted living units that include more care.  Still, baby boomers are the wealthiest generation in the U.S. Many have paid off mortgages on homes that have soared in value. More than 40% could afford senior housing from income alone, up more than 10 percentage points from 2017, according to Green Street.   But about 35% of seniors who could afford senior housing opt not to use it, Green Street said. They prefer to age at home closer to friends and family, something that is being made increasingly possible by advances in design and technology. The sector also has a history of gluts. Developers, taking advantage of low interest rates and plentiful capital, overbuilt a decade ago in the hope that baby-boomer demand was approaching. That caused a decline in occupancy in the years leading up to the Covid-19 outbreak. Developers say many of the projects that will break ground will be those that cater to the wealthiest seniors, sparing no expense on luxury design and fine dining, spas and educational programs. Private-equity firm Harrison Street and a developer are scheduled to break ground this year on a 172-unit senior housing project in the Rancho Santa Fe master planned community in San Diego. It will feature golf cart paths, a private wine room, art studio, movie theater and sports lounge.  Developers are targeting wealthy seniors because they’ll be more likely to accept higher costs due to inflation or a labor shortage than seniors on fixed incomes. Wealthy senior citizens seeking top-shelf amenities also are more willing and able to afford rent increases in the future, noted Selznick, of Kayne Anderson.