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Preferences for aging in place are well-documented among older Americans, but there are some factors that should be considered carefully. This is according to Pamela Redwine, a family, health and wellness agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
The service is an educational arm of the university that provides research-based information, programs and services to people and communities across Mississippi. While the preferences and the potential utility of aging in place are not in dispute, some might rush into living at home without acknowledging potential challenges that could make it harder to age in place safely, Redwine said.
“When people can stay in their own homes, that has a positive impact on their happiness, self-esteem and quality of life,” she said. “We know that happiness also has a positive influence on their health and well-being. You just want to be sure their home is ‘aging ready’ and that they have access to the support and services they need.”
Home modifications are often overlooked in the broader aging-in-place discussion, she said, but elements in higher-risk areas for potential instability in a home — such as a bathroom or kitchen, where the likelihood of slips can be higher — should be taken into account when determining a plan for aging in place successfully.
“Ask yourself, is my home ‘aging ready’?” she said. “Does it have a step-free entryway, a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and does it have features that can be easily adapted for future needs, such as a home office that can be turned into a bathroom or extra bedroom for a caregiver?”
Home modifications are a growing business, but when it comes to accommodating aging, the expense can be steep depending on the condition of the home. That’s why it’s important to weigh the cost of such renovations versus other options, including finding a home that may already be well-suited for living in later life.
Ongoing maintenance costs should also be factored into any decision, and home-health or personal care should likely be included in any full assessment of the care landscape, she added. But other considerations should include the isolation that can come with the decision to age at home versus other options.
“Aging in place can lead to social isolation, especially if mobility limitations or other factors make it difficult to maintain social connections,” Redwine told the university. “Actively planning for social interactions, whether through community groups, volunteer work or connecting with neighbors, can help combat loneliness.”
English (US) ·