Aging at home means independence and connection for older adults

(BPT) - More older Americans are choosing to age in place, staying in their own homes and communities as they get older. A growing set of tools, programs and innovations is helping make that choice more practical than ever.

That shift comes as research continues to show the value of remaining at home. According to AARP, Americans are increasingly focused not only on living longer, but on living well, and 75% to 80% of adults age 50 and over say they want to stay in their homes as they age.

Aging in place is not the same for everyone

The meaning of home is changing. Aging in place can look different depending on a person's health, mobility and support network, but with proper planning and precautions, it can work in many kinds of living situations.

Aging in place can mean:

• Remaining in the same home where someone has lived for most of adult life, with updates such as grab bars and stairlifts
• Downsizing to a smaller home that is easier to maintain and may be on a single level
• Moving in with adult children or siblings
• Relocating to a retirement community that supports independent living
• Living in shared housing with peers

The benefits and risks of aging in place

"For most people, home represents a lot more than just a physical place," says Dr. Julie Daftari, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. "It's about being able to remain autonomous in a familiar setting, where people are still connected to community. When done well, it supports physical health by helping people stay active and maintain their routines."

Those ties to place and people can have a measurable effect on health. One 25-year study of nearly 5,800 older adults found that the stronger a person's social network, the longer they lived, and the more of those years they spent healthy and independent.

"Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of whether living independently is sustainable," Julie said. "People do better when they have regular contact with family and friends and people in their community."

While not everyone can age in place, those who do may gain benefits beyond keeping their own sleep schedule and diet, including a lower risk of facility-acquired infections and hospital visits.

A study of 219 veterans with an average age of 81 found that a Veterans Affairs home-based care program:

• Reduced ER visits by 63%
• Reduced hospital admissions by 48%
• Reduced time spent in the hospital by 55%

The results suggest that when older adults receive the right support at home, they do more than avoid institutional care — they also rely less on crisis-level medical services.

Julie said aging in place works best when it is approached as a coordinated, whole-person effort.

"We should think about aging in a person-centered way — not just asking what care someone might need, but what type of support they need to continue to live a life that matters to them," she said. "When that coordinated effort isn't there, safety risks emerge, including the risk of isolation."

Without the right support systems, older adults living at home may face falls or medical emergencies that go unnoticed for hours or even days. Medications can be mismanaged through missed or incorrect doses, and social isolation can increase, speeding cognitive decline. Family caregivers can also experience major mental and physical strain, leading to burnout or lowering the quality of care they can provide.

Making the home safer for aging in place

Recent advances in technology, stronger community-based support networks and greater cooperation among insurers, providers and communities can help reduce many of the risks tied to aging at home.

Beyond important home changes such as securing loose rugs or adding grab bars in bathrooms, smart home devices can help spot warning signs before a major health problem develops. These tools can include medication reminders, fall detection and data that shows whether someone has opened the refrigerator. Wearables and health trackers can also share real-time information with caregivers and clinicians.

"Aging in place requires careful planning and home modifications," Julie said. "Definitely talk to your physician; they can provide suggestions."

Community-based support groups, including local nonprofits, senior service organizations and neighborhood programs, can provide essential help such as rides to doctor's appointments, transportation for errands and meal delivery. The Village-to-Village Network connects people with neighbors and volunteers for everyday support, while Lotsa Helping Hands helps families and caregivers coordinate care logistics, from meal drop-offs to rides to appointments, among people who already know and care about one another.

"A lot of people underestimate the planning that it takes to actually live independently," Julie said. "And it's a shared responsibility that includes not only the individual, but also the community, the provider and the insurance payers."

This kind of coordination can take many forms. A doctor or care team might see that a patient needs help getting around and connect them with a benefit covered by their insurance plan, such as a ride to the pharmacy to pick up medications or a trip to the grocery store.

Supporting independence and well-being for older adults

With early planning and the right tools, people who want to age in place can do so more safely, comfortably and with greater peace of mind. Success depends on a safe home, strong social connections and access to reliable health care, along with caregiving that can adapt as needs change.

"Asking for advice and input from your healthcare provider and everybody involved in your life will help to ensure an individual ends up in the safest place possible," Julie said. "It's never too early to start planning."