A recent survey by This Old House, which reached out to 1,000 Americans aged 65 and older, offers a compelling look into the preferences of seniors when it comes to aging.
A staggering 90% of respondents indicated that they want to stay in their own homes as they grow older.
This study evaluated various cities nationwide to determine which locations best support this desire, taking into account factors like cost of living, healthcare accessibility, and average life expectancy.
Survey Findings
The survey provided a platform for participants to express their thoughts on aging at home, detailing their plans, priorities, and the obstacles they foresee.
It unveiled key demographics related to the ambition of aging in place along with the financial implications that come into play.
An impressive 89% of those surveyed confirmed they wish to remain at home during their later years.
This closely aligns with findings from previous studies on older adults’ living preferences.
Interestingly, nearly half (45%) mentioned they would resist moving to shared living facilities, such as nursing homes.
However, there’s a significant concern regarding the suitability of their current homes.
Almost half of the respondents (47%) expressed that their residences do not meet their accessibility needs.
Additionally, around 36% reported facing financial hurdles that hinder necessary modifications to make their homes more accommodating as they age.
Key Priorities for Aging in Place
When participants considered where they would like to age in place, healthcare access emerged as the top priority (59%), followed closely by housing costs (54%).
To determine which cities are most favorable for aging in place, the study analyzed various aspects, such as monthly home ownership expenses, comparison of regional prices, the number of senior care professionals per 1,000 older residents, quality of home health aide services, and life expectancy statistics.
The results highlighted Rochester, New York, as the best city for aging in place, boasting an average monthly home ownership cost of $1,205.
Furthermore, Rochester is home to 86 care providers for every 1,000 senior residents, with an impressive life expectancy of 78.6 years.
The next top contenders, which also performed well in the study, include Grand Rapids, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Challenges in Aging Cities
In contrast, cities that rank as the least suitable for aging in place tend to be among the most expensive in the country.
San Francisco and Oakland in California, along with Seattle, Los Angeles, and Denver, are among those that present significant challenges for seniors looking to live independently as they age.
This survey sheds light on the realities and aspirations of older adults, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that support their desire to remain in their homes.
Source: Housingwire