Benefits of Aging in Place and Helpful Resources
According to a study conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), approximately 90% of Americans aged 65 and older would prefer to remain in their own homes as they get older instead of going to a nursing home or assisted living facility.
This preference is more commonly referred to as aging in place, which is the ability to live in our own homes and communities safely, independently, and comfortably, even when we experience functional and cognitive limitations.
Why is Aging in Place a Good Idea?
Remaining at home provides a sense of comfort. We are surrounded by memories and possessions that remind us of who we are and what we love. The familiar neighborhood streets and favored nearby stores provide us with a sense of security and well-being that takes time to develop in unfamiliar surroundings. We seek comfort in what is familiar. The emotional value of our home typically outweighs any other value.
Additionally, leaving our home can lead to homesickness, an increase in stress levels, and possibly even depression. The key to our health and wellbeing is feeling safe and secure, both mentally and physically. Because we spend such a large amount of time at home, it is the place where we feel the safest.
When we have lived in our homes for an extended period of time, we typically tend to create a village. We have developed friendships with neighbors and other individuals that live nearby. Perhaps they attend the same church or have children that attended the same schools as ours. These friendships have been cultivated over the course of many years. We have grown to love and rely on these individuals as they were family.
Leaving behind a support network that we have cherished and relied on for years becomes increasingly difficult, as research has shown that our support system increases our levels of well-being, as well as, enhances our coping skills.
Financially, aging in place is more economical than nursing homes or assisted living facilities. This is not to say that aging in place comes without expenses, as our homes may need to be modified to make them safer; however, friends, family, and neighbors can help out if needed.
Furthermore, most communities offer services to seniors that can assist with meals, transportation, and social services. Considering all options and the price tag associated with each, aging in place is typically less expensive.
Finally, remaining at home means that we are able to control what we do. We can decide what routine to follow, activities to complete, and decisions to make. The ability to control what goes on in our daily life gives us independence. This sense of autonomy directly plays into our identity, dignity, and self-worth. Independence generates our overall well-being by improving our health condition physically, mentally, and emotionally. Aging in place is beneficial to our health by providing us with a sense of safety, connection, support, financial stability, and independence.
Useful Resources to Help You Get Started
Aging in place may not be for everyone, however, it is worth the consideration. If you believe you or a loved one are a good candidate for aging in place consider the following resources to help you get started.
Cohousing is a resource for those interested in learning about communities designed to foster connection between neighbors while sharing common areas. www.cohousing.org
Eldercare Locator helps you to understand housing choices in your community and make informed decisions. They provide various resources for housing modifications to support independent living. https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/LearnMoreAbout/Housing.aspx
LeadingAge is an organization that is dedicated to aging with dignity. They offer a directory of homes and services nationwide. https://www.leadingage.org
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides financial assistance, resources, and guides for making the right housing choice. https://www.hud.gov/topics/information_for_senior_citizens
Village to Village Network helps communities establish and manage their own aging in place initiatives called Villages. https://www.vtvnetwork.org
Resources
Timmermann, S. (2012). To “age in place” or not...that is the question. Journal of Financial
Service Professionals, 66(1), 24-26. Retrieved from https://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/
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