A Growing Trend for Seniors Seeking Independence and Affordability is Aging In Place

Did you know that staying in your own home as you age could save you thousands of dollars every month?

Retirement homes are becoming prohibitively expensive, with monthly costs often exceeding $5,000. For many seniors, this financial burden, coupled with concerns about the quality of care in long-term care facilities, has driven them to explore alternative living arrangements.

Aging in place is emerging as a popular solution, offering financial, social, and psychological benefits. This concept focuses on seniors maintaining control and independence in their living situations. By staying in their own homes, seniors can make decisions about their daily lives and social interactions, helping them feel more secure and comfortable.

To support aging in place, several innovative living arrangements are gaining traction:

• Co-living: Multiple seniors sharing a home, splitting living expenses and chores, reducing loneliness and providing mutual support.

• Co-housing: Structured communities where residents have their own living spaces but share common amenities, fostering social interaction and cooperation.  

• Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs): Existing buildings or neighborhoods with a significant percentage of senior residents, where services are brought directly to the community, providing a supportive and cost-effective environment.

• Multi-Generational Living: A household setup where different generations live together, offering a supportive environment and shared responsibilities.

The success of aging in place depends on the availability of support services like home care, health coordinators, and community activities. Public funding and private donations aren’t enough to sustain these programs. The need for government involvement to ensure their scalability and sustainability within our communities stands in the way of many.

If you or your loved ones are considering aging in place, visit our How 2 Age Your Way for essential guides, checklists, and resources. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more tips and tricks on how to stay safe and independent in your home and community. 

Looking to get involved with your aging community? Join the National Aging in Place Council to help us educate and support our seniors in aging safely within their communities.

Written by: Heather Brooks - How 2 Age Your Way