The vast majority of aging Americans are confident in their ability to age in place and hold favorable views of their community’s senior living facilities, according to a survey conducted by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare and USA TODAY.
The survey examined the view of Americans aged 60 and in order to evaluate the population’s view on aging.
Approximately 90% of older Americans plan to continue living in their homes over the next 10 years of their lives, and of that population, 74% intend to modify their homes to help age in place.
Comfort intheir own homes and remaining close to friends and family are the main reasons seniors are seeking to age in place. Additionally, 26% of seniors report they cannot afford to move, and 23% don’t believe the current market would allow them to sell their home.
Of survey respondents who plan to move in the next ten years 18% wish to move to a different community or region. Additionally, 14% of movers seek a more compatible home layout, and 13% cannot afford to live in their current home.
Despite statistics on aging in place and moving, more than 60% of all seniors surveyed have favorable views toward senior living facilities in their community. The 70+ age bracket was found the most optimistic, as 68% of them have optimistic views toward their community’s senior living facilities.
Additionally, nearly 80% of all seniors surveyed are likely to have all everyday needs met without leaving their communities.
View the full survey here.
Written by Erin Hegarty
