When it comes to aging, most people have strong preferences about where they want to spend their golden years. And the numbers tell a pretty clear story: aging-in-place is overwhelmingly popular.
According to various surveys and studies, somewhere between 75% and 90% of adults aged 65 and older say they want to stay in their current home and community as they age. That's a staggering majority. It's like if almost everyone in a movie theater decided they wanted to watch the same film.
But here's where it gets interesting. This preference doesn't seem to change much as people get older. Even among those 85 and up, the desire to age in place remains strong. It's not just a young-old person's dream; it's a persistent preference across the later years of life.
Now, you might be thinking, "Sure, people say that's what they want, but what actually happens?" Good question. The reality is a bit more complex. While the vast majority express a preference for aging-in-place, a significant number end up moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
Why the discrepancy? Well, wanting something and being able to do it are two different things. Aging-in-place requires planning, resources, and often, modifications to one's home and lifestyle. Not everyone manages to put all those pieces together.
There's also the issue of changing needs. Someone might start out aging in place successfully, but a health crisis or loss of a spouse can suddenly make it much more challenging. The preference remains, but the practicality shifts.
It's worth noting that the preference for aging in place isn't uniform across all groups. Factors like income, health status, and whether someone lives in an urban or rural area can all influence the likelihood of both preferring and successfully aging in place.
For instance, homeowners are more likely to express a preference for aging in place than renters. This makes sense – if you own your home, you have more control over making necessary modifications. Plus, there's often a stronger emotional attachment to a home you own.
Cultural factors play a role too. In some cultures, multigenerational living is the norm, which can make aging in place more feasible and desirable. In others, there might be less stigma attached to moving to a senior living community.
But even with these variations, the overall trend is clear: most people want to stay put as they age. This preference has huge implications, not just for individuals and families, but for society as a whole.
For one, it's driving innovations in home design and technology. Smart home features that were once seen as luxuries are becoming necessities for safe aging in place. Things like voice-activated controls, fall detection systems, and telehealth setups are becoming more common in homes of older adults.
It's also changing how we think about community design. Age-friendly communities aren't just about senior centers anymore. They're about walkable neighborhoods, accessible public transportation, and local services that cater to older adults' needs.
The healthcare system is feeling the impact too. The preference for aging in place is pushing for better integration of home-based care and community services. It's challenging the traditional model of institutional care for seniors.
But here's the rub: despite the overwhelming preference for aging in place, our society isn't fully prepared for it. We don't have enough accessible housing. Our healthcare system is still largely geared towards institutional care. And many communities lack the support services needed to make aging in place viable for everyone who wants it.
This gap between preference and preparedness is creating both challenges and opportunities. It's a problem that needs solving, but it's also spurring innovation and creating new markets.
For individuals, the key takeaway is this: if you want to age-in-place (and statistically, you probably do), start planning early. Don't wait until you need modifications or services to start thinking about them.
For policymakers and businesses, the message is clear: there's a huge demand for solutions that support aging in place. From home modification services to community support programs to innovative care delivery models, there's a lot of room for growth and improvement.
The preference for aging-in-place isn't just a statistic. It's a reflection of how people want to live their later years – in familiar surroundings, maintaining connections to their communities, and preserving their independence as much as possible.
As we move forward, the challenge will be turning this overwhelming preference into a practical reality for more people. Because while the numbers tell us what people want, it's up to all of us – individuals, families, communities, and society at large – to figure out how to make it happen.
After all, we're all aging. And most of us, it seems, want to do it right where we are.
As you consider making your home more accessible and comfortable for aging-in-place, remember that a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can provide invaluable expertise. These professionals are trained to understand the unique needs of older adults and can help create safe, functional living spaces that promote independence. If you're looking to hire a CAPS professional in your area, don't hesitate to contact us for recommendations. We can connect you with experienced specialists who can turn your aging-in-place vision into reality. On the other hand, if you're inspired to become a CAPS professional yourself and join this rewarding field, we encourage you to explore the opportunity. Click here to learn more about the CAPS certification process, including upcoming training dates and requirements. Whether you're seeking assistance or looking to start a new career path, the world of CAPS has much to offer.
Fritzi Gros-Daillon MS, CSA, CAPS, UDCP, SHSS
Household Guardians, Owner
2019 NAHB Instructor of the Year
Published author of "Grace and Grit: Insights to Real Life Challenges of Aging"
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