Aging in Place: The Importance of Planning Ahead for Older Adults
A significant majority of older adults, especially those over 50, express a strong desire to continue living in their homes as they age. However, a recent national survey indicates that many have yet to take crucial steps toward preparing their homes and lives for aging in place. The survey, conducted by the National Poll on Healthy Aging, highlights the disparities between intention and action in ensuring a safe, comfortable, and affordable living environment for older adults.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified concerns about aging independently at home, particularly given its devastating impact on older adults in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The issue has also gained attention due to ongoing discussions about expanding Medicare and Medicaid to include coverage for home-based services and virtual care. However, despite these developments, many adults in their 50s, 60s, and 70s have not yet made the necessary modifications to their homes or planned for the assistance they may need in the future.
According to the poll, 88% of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 consider it either very or somewhat important to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. Yet, only 15% have seriously thought about how to modify their homes to support aging, and nearly half have given it little or no thought. Even more concerning, 48% of those who live alone do not have someone who could help them with personal care tasks, such as bathing and dressing, compared to just 27% of those living with others.
The financial aspect of aging in place also presents significant challenges. While 19% of older adults feel confident in their ability to pay for in-home help with chores, grocery shopping, personal care, or finances, a staggering two-thirds of those with fair or poor health are not confident in their ability to afford such services. This financial strain underscores the need for proactive planning and the consideration of policy changes that could help older adults stay independent longer.
Medical experts stress the importance of taking a proactive approach to aging in place, especially for those with limited social support or significant health needs. Planning ahead, exploring community resources, and having open conversations with healthcare providers and loved ones about aging goals can help older adults prepare for the future. Local social service agencies, nonprofit organizations, and national resources like the Eldercare Locator and Area Agencies on Aging can offer valuable support and guidance.
Family members can also play a pivotal role by encouraging older adults to invest in home modifications and safety devices that will help them age in place. Simple changes, such as installing grab bars in bathrooms, adding safety-focused technologies like stove alarms, or even decluttering main living areas, can significantly enhance safety and independence. Planning ahead is a positive investment in both current safety and long-term independence, and addressing these issues early can help prevent them from being deferred indefinitely.
The survey reveals that while many older adults have moved in recent years, only about half of them moved to homes that were easier to navigate, with smaller sizes being a more common reason for the move. Additionally, while a majority of older adults have main-floor bathrooms and bedrooms, which reduce the need to climb stairs, only a fraction have installed key safety features such as barrier-free showers or personal emergency response systems. Clutter in main living spaces remains a challenge for some older adults, with 9% reporting difficulty using their homes’ main rooms due to excessive possessions.
Despite these challenges, AARP’s research consistently shows that most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The key to achieving this goal lies in planning ahead, modifying homes to support changing needs, and ensuring that essential services and technologies are accessible. Aging in place may require financial investment and thoughtful preparation, but with the right strategies in place, older adults can continue living independently and enjoy a fulfilling life in the home they love.
