Why Do Seniors Want to Age in Place?

According to a recent survey by the AARP, 77 percent) of adults aged 50 and over want to stay in their own homes as they age. Sometimes called “aging in place,” this choice refers to older adults living independently in community-based dwellings as they age and encompasses a few different options. 

Some seniors choose to remain in the house where they spent most of their adulthood and possibly raised their family. Others might have already downsized to a smaller residence, such as a mobile home, condo, or home in a 55+ retirement community. Many other seniors opt to create a multigenerational household and move in with family members, especially if they would benefit from assistance with daily tasks. All of these scenarios are considered “aging in place.” 

All senior living options, including aging in place, can have significant advantages and challenges. The following article discusses why seniors want to age in place, the pros and cons of this choice, and some benefits of alternative solutions like senior living at Castle Rock in a BridgeWater Assisted Living community.  

What are the Benefits of Aging in Place?

A variety of factors can play into a senior’s decision to age in place. Most commonly, though, individuals are motivated by emotional attachment to the memories made in their home, the comfort of a familiar environment and established routines, and a desire to maintain autonomy, identity, and independence for as long as possible. 

It makes sense. For seniors who have spent a significant portion of their adult lives in the same house, it is natural to form an emotional attachment. They may also be hesitant, thinking about how the move might affect their adult children, who are also probably emotionally attached to the house.

The familiar environment of the neighborhood and community and established routines can also be a source of comfort that’s tough to give up. Taking a morning walk with your neighbor, having lunch with friends at your favorite restaurant every Tuesday, curling up with your beloved furry friend to watch a movie on Friday nights—these are the small pleasures of life that bring us joy and provide structure and security.

Aside from emotional attachment and the comfort of familiarity, one of the greatest benefits of aging in place is maintaining autonomy and independence. Making choices without outside interference with one’s schedule and activities can play an important role in an individual’s sense of dignity and purpose. 

What are the Challenges of Aging in Place?

Although the benefits of aging in place can be substantial, this option also presents challenges as people get older, especially when it comes to physical safety and the stress of daily life and home ownership. 

Lawn care, house repairs, driving in traffic, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and other upkeep can be stressful, regardless of age. As we get older, though, we might experience health issues, physical changes, mobility limitations, and even some mild cognitive decline that can make these responsibilities even more cumbersome. 

Activities of daily living in the home might become more difficult without some modifications. According to a 2020 report from the National Institute on Aging, only a small percent of homes in the United States (around 10 percent) could be considered “aging ready.” Some elements that make a home more accessible for an older person include having a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, assistive devices in the bathroom like grab rails and seating in the shower, hallways wide enough for a wheelchair, and a step-free entryway. 

Neighborhoods and communities must also be safe and accessible to ensure a high quality of life. Uneven sidewalks or unsafe neighborhoods, lack of access to support services like pharmacies, medical centers, or recreational centers nearby, and the absence of appropriate transportation options can all limit seniors’ opportunities for exercise, health care, and socialization.  

Solutions to Consider to Enable Aging in Place

Fortunately, many families can incorporate various solutions to meet the challenges we’ve listed and enable their loved ones to age in place. Modifications to the home can be made to install assistive devices like handrails or ramps for wheelchair access. Increasing lighting, removing cords and excess furniture, or replacing rugs with hardwood flooring are all steps that can improve the safety of the home and help prevent falls and accidents.

Technology solutions such as medical alert bracelets and systems, smart home technology that allows families to monitor their loved ones, and telehealth services that enable remote medical care can all play important roles in keeping families connected and ensuring the safety of seniors living independently. 

In addition, in-home care options like home health aides who can do light housekeeping, cook for, and socialize with a senior loved one, meal delivery programs like Meals on Wheels, and rideshare and other transportation services (some of which are specifically focused on seniors) can also be great resources that help seniors successfully age in place longer.

Alternative Senior Living Options

Although aging in place can be an excellent option for many individuals, there are benefits to consider with other senior living options as well. For instance, BridgeWater’s senior living at Castle Rock in Colorado has multiple levels of care, ranging from independent living to assisted living to memory care. Access to all of these options in the same place ensures continuity of care even if your health needs change in the future.

Many seniors and families choose senior living at Castle Rock because of the outstanding services and amenities, including: 

• Chauffeured transportation
• Nutritious and delicious dining services
• Pet-friendly apartments
• Classes and activities
• Scheduled cultural and recreational outings 
• Access to assistance with activities of daily living, day and night
• On-site library, media room, game room, and beauty salon

If you’re exploring senior living options for yourself or a loved one, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have or schedule an in-person tour so you can see us in person. At BridgeWater senior living at Castle Rock, you can enjoy the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of with the support you need to live your best!