Aging in Place

What is Aging in Place?

Aging in place simply means securing necessary support services in response to changing personal needs and allowing an individual to remain in their present residence. Choosing to have a plan to age in place means you will be in control your quality of life and independence. It means you are planning to lessen the burden on your family by outlining how and where your needs are met.

Why is Aging in Place Important?

Currently, the majority of persons aged 65 and older are living either with a spouse or alone in their own home. Many of these older people struggle with everyday tasks, their health care and the lives they lead in their homes. For many, their quality of life goes down as they get older.

As of 2000, there were approximately 35 million Americans over the age of 65. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030 there will be approximately 71.5 million Americans over the age of 65. That number is more than twice what it was in 2000 and represents nearly 20% of the entire projected U.S. population in 2030.

The challenge this number of older Americans will bring to the country is unprecedented. Given the facts surrounding the current economic problems, a failing health care system and the lack of infrastructure needed to support older people, this is a serious predicament for our country.

This aging in place information courtesy of AgeInPlace.com.