Lowe’s announced a multi-year commitment to offer aging-in-place and life-change solutions through a partnership with the American Association of Retired People, the AARP. It is called Lowe’s Livable Home.
The program will offer expertise, services and products “to meet any ability” by creating a one-stop destination for universal design options, a company release on Nov. 17 said.
The announcement detailed a series of steps starting with a consumer education initiative, which will be conducted in collaboration with AARP. The education program involves online and in-store components.
No details were released about how the program will be rolled out to contractors who will be expected to install universal design solutions.
Favorable Demographics
Demographics are in Lowe’s favor. The 73-million-strong baby boom generation, which has been a driver of macro housing trends since the late 1970s is now near or beyond retirement age.
The company cited AARP stats suggesting that only 1 percent of the nation’s stock of 130 million existing homes “have particular features needed to support aging in the home, according to AARP. At the same time 77 percent of people aged 50 years and older would like to stay in their current home as long as possible. Many people lack the expertise or resources to adapt their home.
“Nearly every family in America at some point, including my own, faces the important and often intimidating responsibility of preparing a home for life’s changes,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and CEO. “Lowe’s Livable Home is a commitment to our customers to make their homes better no matter what change they face in life.”
The online portion of the education initiative launched on Nov. 17— Lowes.com/LivableHome a library of articles and videos that will be updated regularly. AARP will help create educational online content on the site focusing on taking age-friendly design action. AARP will also assist in the training of Lowe’s associates accompanied by signage in select stores nationwide through next year.
The in-store enhancements are underway now in nearly 500 stores and nearly 50 metro areas and are expected to continue expanding throughout 2022.
- Lowe’s associates and managers will participate in AARP trainings teaching practical skills and information to support customers looking to improve a home
- Once complete, trained associates will wear an AARP-branded badge that communicates to customers that they can help them find age-friendly options
- Lowe’s and AARP will also co-develop a “Livable Home” in-store resource guide with information, tools and resources for customers
“People are living longer, and they want to live their best lives at every age,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “Ageless homes that work for older adults are good for people of all ages, but most houses weren’t built to support our needs long-term. The best way to continue living in the home you love is to make healthy aging improvements today that will benefit you tomorrow.”
Lowe’s is also expanding its service options to customers seeking assessments through Lowe’s associates and Lowe’s independent service provider network. In select locations and expanding through next year, customers will be able to access free virtual assessments with Lowe’s ageing in place specialists.
In select locations, Lowe’s extensive independent service providers network of professionals will also provide assessments, installation and ongoing customer service support for installations and remodeling ranging from low-threshold shower installation to more simple installations of grab bars and temporary or permanent stair lifts and ramps.
For more information on Lowe’s Livable Home, visit Lowes.com/LivableHome. QR