What Percentage of People Prefer to Age in Place in 2026 — and What That Really Means

Fritzi Gros-Daillon
Jan 12, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Nov 5, 2025

When it comes to where people want to spend their later years, the numbers are strikingly clear: most adults want to stay right where they are.

According to recent surveys from AARP (2025) and Age Safe America, between 80% and 90% of adults aged 65+ say they want to age in their current home and community.

That’s not just a trend - it’s a cultural truth. Aging in place has become the default preference, transcending income, geography, and even health status.

Aging-in-Place by the Numbers (2026)

87% of adults 65+ prefer to age in place
71% of those 80+ still share that preference
60% of older homeowners say they’ve already made safety upgrades
Only 28% of homes in the U.S. are “aging-ready” (Sources: AARP, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, NAHB)

The Preference That Doesn’t Fade with Age

What’s remarkable is how consistent this preference is . Even among adults 85 and older, the desire to stay home remains strong.

This isn’t just a passing wish - it’s a deeply human instinct for continuity, autonomy, and belonging.

The message is simple: people want to stay in the homes they love, in the communities they know, surrounded by the people who make them feel like themselves.

The Reality Gap: Wanting vs. Being Able

Of course, wanting to age in place and being able to are two very different things.

Life happens - mobility changes, health declines, caregivers relocate, and homes that once worked perfectly start presenting daily challenges.

Aging in place is possible, but only with planning, resources, and adaptation.

Many homes still have physical barriers: stairs, narrow doorways, poor lighting
Care systems aren’t always designed for home-based support
Financial planning often focuses on retirement income, not home modification

The result? A growing gap between the overwhelming preference to age in place and the preparedness to actually do it.

Why Aging-in-Place Matters More Than Ever

This preference has far-reaching implications - not just for families, but for society as a whole.

It’s reshaping everything from home design and real estate to healthcare and technology.

Home Design Is Being Redefined

Features once associated with accessibility are now mainstream:zero-step entries, lever handles, smart lighting, and adaptable floor plans. Builders trained in CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist) design are leading this shift—creating homes that are safe, stylish, and sustainable for all ages.

Communities Are Getting Smarter

Cities and towns are rethinking infrastructure to support “aging-friendly living.”That means better sidewalks, accessible transportation, and services that allow older adults to stay active and connected.

Technology Is Closing the Gap

From voice-activated devices to telehealth and remote monitoring, smart technology is empowering older adults to remain independent longer. In 2026, AI-integrated home safety systems are becoming standard features, not luxuries.

The Healthcare Shift

Healthcare delivery is moving toward the home. With Medicare Advantage plans expanding coverage for home-based services, the system is slowly aligning with what people actually want—care that meets them where they live.

Why the Preference Is So Strong

Aging in place isn’t just about avoiding change. It’s about preserving identity and independence.

Home is where routines are second nature
Familiar surroundings reduce stress and support memory
Neighborhood connections sustain mental and emotional health

In short, aging in place feels like living on your own terms.

Who’s Most Likely to Age in Place Successfully

While the desire cuts across demographics, success depends on several factors:

Factor	Why It Matters
Homeownership	Owners can modify their homes freely
Income	Enables renovations, care, and technology
Health	Physical and cognitive ability impact independence
Support Network	Family, neighbors, or care teams make aging at home feasible
Location	Urban areas offer services; rural areas offer space but fewer supports

The will to age in place is universal, but the way to do it is personal.

Cultural and Generational Shifts

The Baby Boomer generation is redefining what aging looks like. They’re rejecting the institutional models of their parents’ generation and demanding homes that support vitality, flexibility, and design-forward independence.

Meanwhile, younger generations - Gen X and Millennials - are watching closely, planning differently, and prioritizing long-term home adaptability earlier in life.

The Challenge Ahead: Making Preference Possible

Despite overwhelming support for aging in place, the U.S. housing stock isn’t keeping up.

Most homes were built before accessibility standards existed
Less than a third of houses have features like step-free entry or accessible bathrooms
The cost of reactive remodeling (after a fall or crisis) is often 3x higher than proactive design

This is where education and certification - like CAPS training - make a measurable difference. Professionals trained in aging-in-place design can bridge the gap between what people want and what their homes can safely support.

Key Takeaways: Turning Preference Into Possibility

Plan Early. Don’t wait for a health crisis - start with a home safety evaluation or design consultation now.
Invest in Modifications. Small updates like lighting, grab bars, and lever handles can prevent major accidents later.
Leverage Technology. Smart home tools and telehealth access can extend independence significantly.
Build a Team. Work with certified professionals (CAPS, OTs, designers) to create an adaptable home.
Think Beyond the House. Community connection and transportation access are as critical as home safety.