The Safety Of Older Adults Aging In Place

An increasing number of older U.S. adults are choosing to age in place and grow older in their homes within a traditional community. Aging in place may offer a number of benefits, such as the ability to maintain one’s independence while being surrounded by familiar objects, family and friends. However, choosing to age in place requires certain considerations and planning, and may pose potential challenges, risks and safety concerns for older adults and their loved ones.

A recent Forbes Health survey conducted by OnePoll of 1,000 U.S. adults age 65 and older who are electing to age in place examines their main concerns about growing older at home, as well as the concerns of their family members and friends. The survey also explores home modification options to improve safety for people aging in place, whether individuals are aging in place on their own or with assistance and attitudes toward alternative housing options like assisted living communities or nursing homes.

Next to falling and needing medical assistance, many older adults (33%) worry about being unable to perform daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. “Where concerns start to arise are when people become more frail and less independent in their abilities to do ADLs, such as getting transportation to appointments, cooking, cleaning and shopping, or when they [get to the] point of having difficulty independently bathing, dressing or walking around,” says Dr. Day.

Other prominent concerns among older adults aging at home include:

• Worrying about the affordability of at-home care (20%)
• Worrying about mental health decline (19%)
• Worrying about access to transportation (18%)
• Worrying about feeling isolated (16%)

Of note, 20% of survey respondents living alone worry about isolation while only 12% of participants experience the concern of isolation if they live with someone.