For many older adults, the idea of remaining in their own homes as they age—commonly referred to as "aging in place"—is more than just a preference; it's a deeply held aspiration. The comfort of familiar surroundings, the autonomy of personal routines, and the connection to community all contribute to this desire. Recent surveys underscore this sentiment, revealing that approximately 77% of adults aged 50 and older wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible.
- What Is Aging in Place, and Is It an Option in Your Current Home?(Opens in a new window)
- AARP article - Percentage of Older Adults Who Want to Age in Place Stays Steady(Opens in a new window)
- Aging In Place: Statistics + How To Prepare In 2025(Opens in a new window)
The Importance of Aging in Place
For many older adults, home isn’t just a physical space — it’s a treasure chest of memories, milestones, and personal identity. Aging in place allows individuals to continue living in a space where they feel most comfortable, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and objects that have meaning and history. This isn’t simply about convenience; it’s about preserving one’s dignity, autonomy, and emotional well-being.
Aging in place matters because it reinforces a sense of control in a season of life where control can feel increasingly elusive. As health issues emerge and mobility might become limited, remaining at home allows older adults to continue making decisions about their day-to-day lives: what time to wake up, what to eat, which chair to relax in, and what memories to linger on in the family photo album.
According to an AARP survey(Opens in a new window), approximately 77% of adults over the age of 50 express a strong preference for staying in their own homes for as long as possible. This desire transcends economic status, cultural background, and geographic location. It’s a universal wish to maintain a familiar and comforting environment through the transitions of aging.
A Personal Story: Margaret’s Choice to Stay Home
Consider Margaret, an 82-year-old widow living in the same cozy two-bedroom house she and her late husband, Frank, purchased over 50 years ago. The creak in the third step of the staircase reminds her of the years their children would sneak downstairs on Christmas Eve. The kitchen still smells faintly of cinnamon from decades of holiday baking. Every photograph on the wall, every carefully tended rosebush in the garden, tells a story.
A few years ago, Margaret's family gently encouraged her to consider an assisted living facility after a fall in the bathroom. They worried about her safety, loneliness, and access to medical care. Margaret, however, was determined to stay home.
"It’s not just a house," she explained to her daughter. "It’s where I belong. It’s where I feel whole."
With the right support — regular visits from a home care aide (aka caregiver), grab bars installed in the bathroom, and brighter lighting — Margaret continued living safely and happily in her beloved home. Her neighbors check in often, and her church friends stop by for afternoon tea. The simple act of remaining in her home has done more than preserve her independence; it has sustained her spirit and her sense of self.
Margaret’s story is a reflection of countless older adults who find better quality of life by aging in place. It highlights how the home can serve not just as shelter, but as a vital source of emotional stability, familiarity, and personal meaning.
________________________________________Thriving at Home: The Benefits of Aging in Place
Aging in place offers more than just the comfort of familiar surroundings; it has been associated with significant health benefits that contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life for older adults.
- 4 Key Benefits of Aging in Place(Opens in a new window)
- ltcfeds.gov - Aging in Place: Help at Home for Seniors(Opens in a new window)
Enhanced Physical Health
Remaining in one's own home can lead to better physical health outcomes. The familiarity of the home environment reduces the risk of accidents, and the ability to maintain personal routines encourages physical activity. Studies have that with appropriate support, older adults can experience improved mobility and reduced fall risks.
Improved Mental and Emotional Well-being
The psychological benefits of aging in place are significant. Older adults often experience a greater sense of autonomy and control over their lives when they remain in their own homes, which can lead to improved mental health. Studies have shown that maintaining independence and staying connected to one's community can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
Lower Healthcare Costs
Aging in place can also be more cost-effective. Home-based care often results in lower healthcare expenses compared to institutional care. For instance, the CAPABLE program has shown potential Medicare savings of around $20,000 per person by reducing the need for hospitalizations and long-term care facilities.
________________________________________Challenges and Considerations for Aging in Place
While the advantages are compelling, aging in place also presents certain challenges that need to be addressed to ensure safety and well-being.
Home Safety and Accessibility
Many homes are not optimized to accommodate the needs of aging individuals. Modifications such as installing grab bars, ramps or lifts; improving lighting; and eliminating tripping hazards are essential to prevent accidents.
Health and Mobility Issues
Chronic health conditions and mobility limitations can make daily tasks more difficult. Regular medical care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) become increasingly important.
Financial Constraints
All adults should have a financial plan. Planning and budgeting are necessary to manage the cost of home modifications, in-home care, and medical expenses. If you don’t have a plan, we highly recommend working with a financial advisor to create a plan for how you are going to cover these and other retirement costs.
The Hidden Health Hazard: Social Isolation
Beyond the physical and emotional comforts of home, aging in place can play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with social isolation—a factor increasingly recognized as a significant health hazard for older adults. In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory highlighting that widespread loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily. The report emphasized that loneliness increases the risk of premature death by nearly 30%, and is associated with higher risks of heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and dementia.
- Loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking, U.S. surgeon general says(Opens in a new window)
These findings underscore the importance of maintaining social connections and a sense of community—benefits that are often more accessible when individuals remain in their own homes. Familiar neighborhoods, proximity to friends and family, and the ability to engage in community activities can help older adults stay socially connected, thereby reducing the health risks associated with isolation. Home care can provide crucial companionship and help seniors get out and do more.
________________________________________The Role of Home Care Services in Supporting Aging in Place
Home care services have become a vital component of a home-based support network, bridging the gap between independence and safety.
Studies have shown that individuals who receive consistent home care support are less likely to be hospitalized or admitted to long-term care facilities. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that participants receiving home-based care had lower rates of hospital readmissions and improved overall quality of life compared to those without in-home services.
A 2023 study by Avelare Health showed how caregiving services by home care industry leader BrightStar Care reduced hospitalizations by an amazing 25%.
Home care services are highly adaptable, ranging from a few hours of help each week to around-the-clock care. These services are tailored to individual needs and may include:
- Personal Assistance: Caregivers can help assist clients with mobility, fall prevention, bathing, dressing, grooming, hygiene and other activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Companionship & Social Engagement: Companionship and emotional support from caregivers has impact beyond physical assistance. Caregivers often become trusted friends, bringing conversation, comfort, and human connection into the homes of older adults who may otherwise experience loneliness. They can also take their clients for outings, doctor’s appointments, activities and social gatherings.
- Medical Support: In-home nursing care can provide medication management, injections, infusions, would care, monitoring of chronic conditions and other nursing services without having to leave your home.
- Household Tasks: Keeping up around the house can become very difficult as we age. Caregivers can offer assistance with meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, decluttering, errands and more.
Preparing for a Successful Aging in Place Experience
To make aging in place a viable and safe option, consider the following steps:
1. Home Assessment
Evaluate the current living environment for potential hazards and necessary modifications. Consulting with occupational therapists or aging-in-place specialists can provide valuable insights. BrightStar Care offers a free home safety checklist you can download here: Download Your Free Home Safety Checklist
2. Health Monitoring
Regular check-ups and discussions with healthcare providers can help manage existing conditions and anticipate future needs.
3. Financial Planning
Assess financial resources and explore options such as long-term care insurance, government programs, or community resources to fund necessary services and modifications.
4. Building Your Support Network
Establish a reliable network of family, friends, healthcare providers, home care agencies and other community services to provide assistance and companionship. You can learn about many of these community resources at the Carlsbad Senior Center’s Successful Aging In Place Workshop. This workshop is free and open to the public every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11am.
________________________________________Conclusion
Aging in place is a deeply personal choice that offers numerous benefits, including independence, comfort, and improved quality of life. While challenges exist, with thoughtful planning, the right support systems, and utilization of available resources, many older adults can successfully remain in their homes as they age. Embracing this approach not only honors the preferences of older individuals but also contributes to their overall well-being and satisfaction.
About The Author:
Dan Sweiger is an accomplished executive, public speaker, community educator and industry leader who co-owns and operates BrightStar Care of Carlsbad, California’s top rated home care agency, along with his wife, Susie. Mr. Sweiger is a healthcare industry leader who serves on the Board of Trustees for the Tri-City Hospital Foundation(Opens in a new window) and the Board of Directors of the San Diego Dementia Consortium(Opens in a new window).
He also supports the North County San Diego healthcare community through a wide range of industry groups, including... Alzheimer's Association of San Diego(Opens in a new window), Parkinson’s Association of San Diego(Opens in a new window), North County Parkinson’s Support Groups(Opens in a new window), SD County Council on Aging(Opens in a new window), SD Coalition for Compassionate Care(Opens in a new window), Veteran's Association of North County(Opens in a new window), and more. He also leads community education workshops at the Carlsbad Senior Center(Opens in a new window).
Mr. Sweiger has an MBA from Purdue University(Opens in a new window) and 20+ years of leadership experience as an executive in Fortune 500 companies.
About BrightStar Care of Carlsbad, CA:
BrightStar Care of Carlsbad is the #1 rated home care agency in California, by Home Care Pulse. They offer a wide range of in-home support services, including companion care, personal care and skilled nursing. They also specialize in care for people with Parkinson’s and dementia. Because BrightStar caregivers are trained and supported by a RN Nursing Director who watches over their clients and staff – something extremely rare for home care companies -- they can provide early detection and intervention when medical issues arise. In fact, BrightStar clients are 25% less likely to be hospitalized compared to clients of other home care companies.