Aging in Place

Last modified Wednesday, August 27, 2008 13:06

The changing lifestyles and changing physical needs of older adults are rarely reflected in the dominant neighborhood development patterns in the region. As a result, older adults can face significant and unnecessary challenges to remaining in their homes and communities.

Aging in Place Toolkit (PDF)

What is Aging in Place?

Most older adults express a strong desire to age in place—to remain in their current residence and neighborhood as long as possible—and most do. Only five percent of older adults live in facilities; the rest remain in their homes and neighborhoods until their current residence no longer meets their needs.

Aging in place programs and policies help older adults maintain their functional independence and personal dignity as long as possible. Successful programs offer a range of flexible services adapted to fit the needs of each individual. Aging in place emphasizes progressive adaptations to the home environment so that older adults are not required to radically alter their lifestyles in response to comparatively minor changes in their physical condition.

Communities realize many social and economic benefits when older adults can find appropriate housing and healthcare close to home. Most community-based aging in place strategies are simply smarter alternatives to conventional auto-dependent development patterns. While they make it easier for older adults to live independently, aging in place strategies benefit residents of all ages and abilities.

Local governments benefit as well. Cities and counties avoid the high costs associated with overly intensive care, and older adults can continue to contribute to the social, civic and economic life of the community. It is less expensive, more productive and more supportive to provide citizens with the option to age in place.

For more information, download the Aging in Place Toolkit (PDF) or contact us at 404.463.3224.