What is aging in place?

Aging in place is a phrase that encapsulates the idea of people continuing to live in the home of their choosing—either their own or a multigenerational household—as they age, instead of living in a nursing home or senior living community. For many, aging in place is appealing because it offers a greater sense of independence and continuity in living life on their terms.  

That’s not to say that people who opt to age in place don’t have any assistance in day-to-day life; many are supported by family members, friends, neighbors and in-home help. Access to necessary support and services is what helps maintain a good quality of life—an important factor when aging in place. 

Factors to consider when aging in place

Is aging in place right for you, your aging parents or your loved one? It’s a very personal decision, and there are several factors you should consider as you try to find the right option, including:

• Limitations and needs: Think through mobility, hearing health, vision and dexterity. An honest assessment of current capabilities and challenges will help you to identify the adjustments and support you may need to successfully age in place.
• Your home: What might need to change now or in the future to make it aging-friendly? Assessing your living space and the financial implications of making adaptations for aging can help you determine the feasibility of living there long-term.
• Your lifestyle and goals: Thinking through your desired levels of activity, community engagement, travel and more can help guide you to the best choice for your priorities.

If you or your older parents want to age in place, these tips can help you turn your home into an ideal environment for you to live—both now and into the future.

Aging-friendly home improvements

A 2022 study conducted by AARP showed that 77 percent of adults aged 50 and over want to remain in their homes as long as they’re able. 

But that same study also found that around one-third of respondents would need to make changes to their current home to safely and comfortably stay there as they aged. It’s an important reminder that you may need to make changes to your physical spaces, whether it’s rethinking the layout of your living room or making accessibility adjustments.

Home safety and security features for seniors

Home safety for the elderly has two different but equally important aspects—safety in terms of health, but also safety in the form of home security. With these simple home safety tips, you can improve both.

The benefits of aging in place

There are many benefits of aging in place. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s linked to reduced healthcare costs, improved quality of life and increased social connectedness. While quality of life and social connectedness might simply sound like “nice to have” things, they have real repercussions for health. The CDC also cites studies showing that social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes and was associated with roughly a 50% increased risk of dementia.

When aging in place is done with a carefully considered plan that ensures safety, seniors can thrive on their terms. As the years pass, it’s important to regularly evaluate how things are going, to maintain safety and determine if any changes need to be made. 

Finding the help you need

If you’re interested in aging in place but want help optimizing your home for your current and future needs, turn to aging-in-place services and specialists.

An aging-in-place specialist or an occupational therapist can come to your home and evaluate your physical needs and space, going through the National Institute on Aging’s Home Safety Checklist. A specialist can suggest potential improvements and help you think through the factors that go into making them. If you need to make structural changes, contract a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) to do your remodeling, as they’re specifically trained on modifications for aging in place.

If you need extra support for household tasks or medical concerns, or want to explore funding programs for home updates, turn to aging in place resources like your local agency on aging or the nationwide Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), can help you find resources in your area.