Building Homes for Different Life Stages

By Rob Jafek, Principle | Boomerang Capital

Who will live in the house you are working on? In Arizona, there are more young people, as a percentage of the population, and more old people as a percentage of the population, than in the rest of the US. Our median looks close to the same, but we have ‘bumps’ on the two ends. So, if you are working on an average or maybe slightly smaller than average house, are you building for the first-time home buyer? Or an older couple that is downsizing? Interestingly, both groups are seeking smaller homes, but for different reasons—the younger family for affordability and potential growth, and the older couple for ease of maintenance and planning ahead to age in place. Let’s look at the wish-lists of these two demographic groups.

Mobility and Accessibility

For older adults, mobility is one of the first considerations. Wider hallways, no-step entries, and single-level floor plans are not just nice to have—they’re essential for preventing falls and making it possible to age in place. Bathrooms may be designed with walk-in showers, built-in seating, and raised toilets to minimize strain. Even small touches, like lever-style door handles and faucets, make daily tasks easier for someone with arthritis or reduced strength.

Young families, on the other hand, think about mobility in terms of strollers, bikes, and play. Wide doorways help parents maneuver a stroller inside, but they’re equally useful when kids race through the house with friends. The concern here is less about preventing falls and more about supervision and flow—open floor plans that let parents cook dinner while keeping an eye on toddlers in the living room.

What’s in common? Space to move around, including halls and doors..

Safety Priorities

Safety is a universal theme, but the details shift with age. For older residents, the enemy is the slip, the fall, or the unseen hazard. Non-slip flooring, bright lighting, and grab bars are the frontline defenses. Technology can also play a role: motion-activated lights, fall-detection systems, and video doorbells that eliminate the need to rush to the front door.

Families with small children are battling a different set of risks. Instead of slip resistance, the focus is on childproofing—cabinet locks, outlet covers, gates at stairways, and enclosed yards. Parents want to keep little ones out of danger, whether that’s cleaning supplies under the sink or an unfenced pool outside. The mindset is the same—protecting the vulnerable—but the execution looks very different.

What’s in common? Safety matters, and making it integrated and non-intrusive wins the day with (thankfully for us) all the little details added after the new owners move in.

Kitchens and Storage

The kitchen is a hub of activity in any home, but its design must match the users. For older adults, the challenge is reducing physical strain. Pull-out shelves eliminate bending, waist-height appliances prevent awkward lifting, and easy-turn faucets simplify meal prep.

Young families, meanwhile, need a kitchen that is durable and spacious. Think extra pantry storage for bulk snacks, surfaces that can handle spills and art projects, and a refrigerator large enough for gallons of milk. Families often prize big islands or eat-in nooks where kids can do homework while parents prepare meals.

What’s in common? Make it easy and accessible. Older residents may need it for function, but younger families benefit just as much when children can reach and help.

A Matter of Mindset

The common thread is clear: both older adults and young families need homes that are safe, comfortable, and adaptable. At first glance, their priorities may seem different—older adults focus on preserving independence and preventing decline, while younger families think about supporting growth and managing chaos. But look a little deeper, and you’ll see that they’re often asking for the same things, just framed through different life stages.