Summary In reviewing the results of the sustained efforts to stimulate employment opportunities for older people we find healthy and encouraging trends. Employers in meeting their own employment needs have on a voluntary and sound business basis produced the following results: 1. Today, more than ever before, a greater proportion of the work force is in the upper age brackets. Further, industry has demonstrated its appreciation of the worth of these people as employees by the low rate of unemployment in these age groups. 2. Employers are recognizing the obvious advantages of hiring the more mature person who is qualified. This trend was demonstrated by a recent report (New York Times, Aug. 3, 1959) of job placements by the New York State Employment Service. In the first half of 1953 workers over 45 years old placed in jobs were 21 percent of the total so placed. This figure increased to 30 percent for the same period in 1959. These developments convincingly point up the fact that the older job applicant is enjoying greater job opportunities because of the ever-growing acceptance of the older workers in the labor market. KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL, Hon. PAT MCNAMARA, U.S. Senator, Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR MCNAMARA: Kiwanis International is proud to have been invited to submit its ideas to your committee, regarding the interest and concern which is has for our senior citizens. It is not the desire of Kiwanis International to appear before your committee but rather we would prefer to submit this brief report in terms of our interest and our concern. For several years, the organization has had one of its objectives related to this problem of our senior citizens. In 1959, we are engaged in programs which are geared to the objective: “Utilize the experience and talents of our senior citizens." I am happy to tell you that in 1960, we will be working under an objective as follows: "Organize and support effective programs for senior citizens.” Now, what is the concept of Kiwanis, in terms of the senior citizen problem? We do not propose that we, as an organization of volunteer men, service club minded, have all of the answers but we have appraised our position and would like to submit it. We believe that there are basically three groups of senior citizens, which merit attention of Kiwanis clubs: (1) Those who have sufficient income to live comfortably but who crave opportunities to serve their communities in many different ways. These people, we feel, ought to be brought into volunteer relationship with our national organizations, such as American Cancer Society, Red Cross, and the like. They can make tremendous contributions to these organizations, now that they have the time to do so. Volunteer agencies can well look to senior citizens as a source of manpower. (2) Those who have sufficient income but who want to have help in developing recreational centers. The golden age type of setup, where people of like age enjoy mutual interests seems to be of concern to them. There is a third group, we feel, and it is made up of those who actually need additional income from some source. You might wonder what the position of Kiwanis International is in terms of housing. We have not added this as a fourth point because we feel that it cuts right across the three above-mentioned areas For instance, even those who have much income do like to get together with those who are of their own age. Therefore, housing is a significant matter for them. They do not want to live, many of them, in houses containing many, many rooms which are not used. They prefer to consolidate their own possessions and live in housing facilities where they are associated with those of like age. Going down to the third point, it must be especially recognized that low-cost housing of some type is extremely important for those who need income from some other source than their A reduction in the amount of outgo for rent is equal, as is obvious, to additional income. own. Our clubs have, both in Canada and in the United States, engaged in many types of activities. I am incorporating with this report a copy of the pamphlet "Aging," which mentions many of these different types of activities and especially those which are related to housing. We are not unaware of the need for the establishment of some types of workshops where additional income can be forthcoming. Some clubs have attempted to combine their efforts and have part-time employement, involved also with a recreational center. Kiwanis International is not unaware of the comment of those who believe that the number of our senior citizens will increase by about 30 percent by 1970. We are hoping that we are in the vanguard of those who are considering this one of the major problems of our day. Kiwanis International does not pretend to have the answer to all of the problems, but we are certainly engaged in an attempt to discover what voluntary groups, banded together in such a way as is found in the service club movement, can do in this most important field. I hope that these comments and these reports will be of some help to you as chairman of this most important committee of the U.S. Senate. Cordially yours, L. A. HAPGOOD, Director, Program Development. STATEMENT OF MRS. JENCY PRICE HOUSER, PRESIDENT, HOUSERS FOUNDATION For more than 11 years now, I have represented single persons, of all ages, who are in desperate need of proper housing. Being a citizen of Detroit, Mich.; a large portion of my research and organizational work was naturally concentrated in that area at first, but nationally since 1952. A conservative estimate of the number of single women in Detroit with whom I came in direct contact and who expressed to me their needs and desires for housing at a price that they could afford to pay is between eight and ten thousand. A nonprofit, civic, membership association of more than 1,000 women was formed in Detroit, of which I was the executive secretary, and plans were made for a project there, but when the group found that financing for single women could not be obtained, I was sent to Washington as their representative to see if enabling legislation could be obtained that would help them in their housing plight. It was during those first trips to Washington, D.C., back in 1949-50 that I was swamped by hundreds of single women who told me of the same desperate need of modestly priced housing-in the Nation's Capital. SECTION 213 (g) It was during those first trips to Washington also that I was eminently successful in getting written into the National Housing Act a subsection which was meant to help alleviate the difficulties being faced by single persons. It became section 213 (g) of the act and remains a part of the act today. It reads as follows: "Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent the insurance of a mortgage under this section covering a housing project designed for occupancy by single persons, and dwelling units in such a project shall constitute family units within the meaning of this section." I was a delegate at the first conference on aging held in Washington several years ago and since that time it has become more and more evident to me and my associates that if something like a preventive housing program is not wholeheartedly and enthusiastically endorsed and established by and through our Nation's leaders on a national basis, that the cost to the Nation of caring for the aged is going to be staggering in the foreseeable future. The handwriting is on the wall. We believe that if younger people can be encouraged, through some educational way (see attached recommendations by Mr. Vickers), to start accumulating a housing equity that by the time they are retired, their housing mortgage would be, in most cases, largely amortized and they would own the equivalent of a sizable housing "bank account." But, as you are now well aware there are many stumbling blocks in the housing field-particularly for the middle and lower middle income groups. Such things as regulation X which came about and existed during the Korean war, the constant "tight money policy" and too large equity requirements and/or downpayments tend to plague pioneering groups-often driving them close to desperation. PLATFORM COMMITTEES Each year beginning with 1953 I have presented a statement to the congressional housing subcommittees and during the last presidential campaign provided a statement for both political platform committees, having presented it in person to the Democratic platform committee in Chicago. Let me quote here parts of that statement: "According to our research, the need of self-help housing designed for permanent occupancy by single persons of all ages, especially women, has been in evidence in the United States since the beginning of the 20th century. Today, this need faces the Nation more forcefully than any other cause of which I know and during the past 9 years my associates and I have been developing solutions to the problems involved, on the national level through 'study, conducting research and making surveys with the object in view of providing residence facilities for professional, business, and retired women.' "The need is urgent, now, for the housing of thousands of middle-income single women who find it neither desirable nor practicable to live with relatives, and who cannot afford the high cost of living in a hotel; neither do they want or need the excess space of the average unfurnished apartment of today which, incidentally is designed and built for occupancy by two or more persons-yet, they are presently paying enough rental to buy their own self-help projects. "In Washington, D.C., many of the single persons whom I represent are present employees or past employees of the Government. Therefore, it should be, at least morally, a responsibility of the Government to assist them in obtaining housing on a self-help basis. "Such a program as ours now for single persons of all ages would, to a large extent, prevent older persons (senior citizens) from facing this need. "It will aid older persons, financially, and give a better credit standing to a fast-increasing segment of our population. They will no longer be frustrated by being considered poor credit risks, and being forced to 'fend for themselves' because of it. Women control about two-thirds of the wealth of the country-yet, they are considered poor credit risks. "If a program is launched while single persons are younger with a salary, it will enable them to save for the years ahead. Living on an economical basis, while younger, should assist them financially when older. Also, health costs of the elderly are higher, on the average, than younger persons. "It will allow single persons, even when they become elderly, to have housing for which they can afford to pay and so eliminate anxiety. "It will provide a home for the homeless and create for them a sense of security, independence, and well-being. "It will provide companionship for the lonely, and yet make it possible to have privacy when desired. "Retired people do not wish to be isolated in a project into age groups. They tend to shrink from the thought of a lonely cottage in the country. They feel this is a most unrealistic way to try to solve this problem. They advocate that all single persons, 33 years and up, should be included, so as to allow for the older ones to be able to come in contact with children and young people. "Allowing single persons, of all ages, to have proper housing, would also enable them while younger to help pay off mortgages; any housing program for the elderly alone will place the entire financial responsibility on the shoulders of the elderly-or, I might suggest, on the shoulders of the Government, often referred to as using up 'the taxpayer's dollars.' "We do not oppose the suggestion that mature couples might be included in such a program as we propose. Rather, we would welcome it, remembering that nearly all persons end up as single persons. At the present, however, it is the single persons who often get turned out or become unwelcome when a partner dies." It is always interesting to me to listen to descriptions of the type of housing desired by elderly persons. Nearly all of the accommodations recommended by proponents of housing for the elderly would also be enjoyed and equally suitable for younger persons as well. Following is such a description which appeared also in my statement to the platform committees: "Multistory elevator residence dwellings which will have some of the accommodations of a hotel and some accommodations of the typical apartment building. It is generally thought of as a 'glorified Y' arrangement. "The living unit, per person, would be similar to an efficiency apartment, complete with kitchen and bath. The living room would also be used as the bed room. "Built-in furniture, wherever practicable. However, occupants would want some of their own possessions round them. "Lare well-lighted walk-in closets, and all other lights placed at strategic spots; for instance, wall switches outside doors. "Handrails, ramps, and nonskid bathroom and kitchen floors are considered musts, also bathtubs about 2 inches lower in height than is usual, so they can be stepped into more easily. "Fireproof and soundproof structures with easily accessible exits. "Adequate storage space in basements. "Air-conditioning, using filtered air, which can be controlled in each living unit. "All shelves should be within reach of occupants to prevent stretching or climbing and possibly falling, and cupboard doors and built-ins should be rounded to prevent bruises. "Residences should include leased commercial facilities such as dining rooms, drugstores, beauty parlors, laundries, doctors' offices, and any other shops that would cater to the residents. Such facilities would also help amortize the mortgage, thereby helping to keep rentals at a reasonable level. "Buildings should be planned and constructed so that they would lend themselves to social affairs and club activities, and there should be a library where good books, newspapers and periodicals are available. "A telephone in each living unit and a call bell in each bathroom are considered important. "Interior decorating should be so planned that it will be pleasant and healthful for the occupant, and door thresholds are to be omitted. "Single persons want the residence on specially selected sites where ready transportation is close at hand and where it is safe for women to go out at night. They want to be close to churches, theaters, stores and also, whenever possible, close to parks where they can sit in the sunshine or take a little walk. Provision for sitting in the open for elderly tenants not wishing to leave the building should be made, e.g. on the roof or around the building. "All appliances should be electric rather than gas since electricity is not only cleaner but safer, especially for our senior citizens. "A few occupants will be nurses who will be pleased to aid in case of illness; and a small infirmary unit for minor cases is planned in each project in connection with the doctors' offices. "Each living unit should be cleaned professionally once a month, thereby minimizing the amount of housekeeping necessary for the occupant. "Some elderly people like much company; some prefer to be alone. According to our plans, either company or solitude will be avoidable or obtainable at will. "Above all, elderly people (and often middle-aged people) want to feel a sense of permanency-to possess a place that they can regard with affection. Under our plan it should be possible to make them feel welcome because they are retired." It is suggested that you read my statement which appeared in the official records of housing hearings (both Senate and House) in 1958. Note in the House record the long list of supporting evidence of the need of housing for single persons and elderly persons from more than 150 leading sources. I have also written eight national newsletters and am presently compiling data for the ninth which should be published this year. A copy of it will be sent to you. Letters of suport, commendation, and appreciation have come to me from nearly every State-including hundreds of letters from Members of Congress. One letter which you will appreciate is from Gov. G. Mennen Williams who has been most helpful to me from the beginning. A copy of his letter follows: Mrs. JENCY PRICE HOUSER, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DEAR MRS. HOUSER: It is a pleasure to have you back in Michigan to speak before the Residence at Ease Association. Adequate housing is important and your efforts toward obtaining special housing for single persons of all ages-particularly women are most helpful. Over the years there has been stress placed on the need for housing and much has been accomplished. There remains much to be done, particularly in the field of providing housing for single persons. Your appearance before congressional committees and your many public appearances have been of great assistance. It is important for everyone to understand that the housing needs of all groups must be met. You are doing much to spread this understanding and your work is appreciated. With every good wish. G. MENNEN WILLIAMS, Governor. Three additional typical quotations from national leaders follow: "I was very pleased to hear that you are going to have an opportunity to speak in Detroit on February 21 about a proposed program to assist single women to obtain adequate housing. Many members of the House Banking and Currency Committee are impressed by the earnest fight that you have been making for enabling legislation. It was my hope that the 1959 omnibus housing bill would be broadened sufficiently to make possible initial projects in this field. There is obviously a great potential and, of course, a pilot program would provide the means of building soundly for the future." The above is a copy of a Western Union message to me from the Honorable William B. Widnall, Member of Congress from New Jersey. "These older citizens ordinarily do not need charity. A few perhaps require publicly aided housing. But more of them require nothing more than understanding and sensible help from their Federal Government, including reasonable interest rates and repayment terms. "A man or woman 65 years of age or older, who has spent 45 years or more earning a living in honorable employment, is not a 'poor credit risk.' He is a very good credit risk. He has the habit of paying his bills. "He is self-respecting and self-reliant. He deserves to be treated that way. He deserves a place to put his head, in his latter years, under circumstances in which he can maintain his personal dignity." The above is taken from a letter to me from the Honorable Melvin Price, Member of Congress from Illinois. "Your objective is certainly very meritorious, and I believe that our women's council should seriously consider undertaking such a project to stimulate nationwide interest in servicing the market of housing for single women, widows living on pensions, etc. We will contact you further on this in the very near future." The above was written to me by Mr. John Williamson, director, the National Association of Real Estate Boards. Much more thought must be given by housing experts to the "mass production" idea, and to "bulk buying" techniques. Builders must be encouraged by the Congress to give more thought to building "apartment-ettes”-in addition to the luxury-type apartments and luxury-type homes that are now so prevalent. The mutual self-help housing idea must be inculcated in the minds of our citizens, thus spurring them into action. Subsection (g) of 213 of the National Housing Act must be made a part of each section of the act wherever applicable, and Congress should see to it that the housing agencies publish a kit of helpful rules and regulations complying therewith. The inherent long-range implications of subsection (g) should be broadcast and rebroadcast from coast to coast. Encouragement should be the password. Urging and helping our middle-income single persons, as well as our elderly citizens, to accumulate an equity in something, and especially in their own homes, should be one of the most patriotic and |