5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

by Richard Bitner December 29, 2020

written by Richard Bitner December 29, 2020

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As the old saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” That saying holds true for most Americans, but it holds particular meaning for America’s seniors. According to data from the AARP, nearly 90% of American seniors wish to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Even when faced with significant age-related difficulties, most older adults believe that aging in place is important. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place
At Visiting Angels, we’ve been helping American seniors age in place for nearly twenty years. Our experience as home care providers has given us unique insight into the reason why seniors prefer aging in place to alternatives like facility living, moving in with a child, or downsizing. Below, we’ve listed the five biggest reasons why our clients value aging in place.

1. Comfort & Familiarity 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

Like anyone else, American seniors feel most comfortable, most safe, and most secure in familiar surroundings. By the time most of us hit retirement age, we’ve been living in the same home and enjoying the same routines for years and years. Disrupting that sense of comfort and familiarity can be deeply disorienting and distressing — especially for seniors who want nothing more than the chance to settle down and enjoy their golden years. Aging in place allows these seniors to stay in the space where they are most able to enjoy their retirement, even when age starts to get in the way.

2. Difficulty of Moving

Moving is difficult, no matter the age of the person moving. Moving is a months-long process that includes finding a new place, selling your old home, sorting through your personal belongings, booking movers, packing, buying new furniture, and on, and on, and on… For many seniors, the time and energy that comes with a move simply isn’t worth the benefits. Even when day-to-day life gets a little bit difficult, aging in place is still the easier option. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

3. Don’t Know Where to Go

Before you move out from one home, you need to find a new one where you will be comfortable. Many seniors simply don’t believe they could find a new home that would be an improvement over their current living situation. In many cases, seniors are unsure whether it would be best to downsize, find a care facility, or move in with a child. While they may have misgivings about living independently through old age, they worry that a move could lower their quality of life.

4. Financial Considerations

Moving is an expensive proposition. Unsurprisingly, a large number of American seniors worry that they can’t afford the costs associated with a move to a new home. While many of these seniors may prefer a move elsewhere, their financial situation keeps them in place. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

5. Friends & Family 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place

For many seniors, aging in place means being near to friends and family. A move to a new home or a care facility could make it more difficult for these seniors to spend time with the people they care about most. In these cases, prioritizing interpersonal relationships can be a benefit for seniors’ physical, mental, and emotional health, as studies have shown that an active social life comes with a range of health benefits. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place
If you have an elderly parent or grandparent who wishes to age in place, but who is starting to struggle with independent living, Visiting Angels can help. Simply contact your local office today for a free consultation about how our caregivers can help your loved one age in place. 5 Biggest Reasons for Aging in Place