Aging in Place Statistics

Updated: October 9, 2024

As they grow older, an overwhelming share of Americans hope to age in place, continuing to live safely and independently in their own homes. In the long run, this practice can reap benefits for an individual — helping to avoid the high costs of a nursing home or other institutional care, maintaining independence and social connections, and continuing life in a familiar environment.

For many Americans, barriers exist that may make aging in place challenging without the right steps. These include a lack of transportation and a home that may not be set up for a senior or someone with impairments.

Key Takeaways:

• A 2022 University of Michigan poll found that 88% of adults ages 50 to 80 felt it was important to remain in their home for as long as possible.
• In 2023, the typical U.S. homeowner had spent 11.9 years in their home, up from 6.5 years in 2005.
• The share of Americans who are ages 65 and older has grown from 12.3% in 2000 to 17.1% in 2022.
• In 2021, more than 88% of older adults ages 65 and older lived in their own home.

Aging in Place Statistics

Surveys of older Americans have repeatedly found that as they age, a wide majority of seniors would prefer to live in their own home. Among those ages 50 and older, upward of 3 in 4 Americans say it is their preference to remain in their homes as they get older.

The widespread interest in aging in place means that a growing number of people are looking to stay in the same place, as the demographics of the national population shift increasingly older. Researchers have described this as a “gray tsunami,” as the baby boomer generation ages and fewer Americans have children. In 2023, there were roughly 55 million Americans in the 65-plus age group. That number is expected to rise to nearly 80 million by 2040.

How Many Americans Prefer to Age in Place?

In 2022, a survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging of more than 2,200 adults ages 50 to 80 found that over 88% believed it was important to age in place. More than half of those polled also said they had given at least some thought to the modifications they would need to install to remain in their home.

Results are consistent with other surveys of older adults about aging in place. A 2021 American Advisors Group survey of more than 1,500 adults found that more than 90% of senior homeowners ages 60-75 preferred to remain in their current home as they age.

Behind the desire to remain in place is a focus on independence. Four in ten respondents from the American Advisors Group Importance of Home Survey identified “independence” as the greatest benefit to remaining at their current home.

Surveys also show that many older adults hope to live close to friends or family. A 2023 survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging found that more than 1 in 3 adults ages 50 to 80 had felt isolated from others in the past year.

How Many People Are Living in Place?

While homeownership rates have fluctuated throughout the 21st century, falling from record highs in the early 2000s, more Americans are staying in their homes for longer periods.

In 2023, a Redfin analysis found that the typical U.S. homeowner had spent 11.9 years in their home, down from a recent peak of 13.4 years in 2020 but up significantly from just 6.5 years in 2005.

Older Americans staying in place has been the driving force behind the increase, as nearly 40% of baby boomers have spent at least 20 years living in the same home.

Those ages 65 and up also have high rates of homeownership or living with another person. In 2021, more than 88% of older adults ages 65-plus lived in their own home, and more than 9% lived in the home of someone else, typically that of their adult child.

What Are the Challenges of Aging in Place?

Despite Americans’ widespread preference to live in place, challenges remain for many to be able to do so.

One of the key barriers is the state of their current home — and the costs that come with retrofitting it for an aging person’s changing lifestyle. A 2020 report from the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that just 10% of homes were “aging-ready,” a characterization that means they feature a step-free entryway, a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor, and at least one bathroom accessibility feature. These modifications are needed to reduce the likelihood of a fall and enable older adults to live independently. However, making such upgrades can be costly.

Other barriers to aging in place include the safety and accessibility of a person’s surroundings. In neighborhoods with limited access to support services, older adults are more likely to report being in poor health.

A lack of transportation can also be a barrier, as many older adults lose the ability to drive when they age.

What Is Required for Aging in Place?

Along with the basic home modifications considered necessary for aging in place, older adults may consider a variety of other home upgrades to accommodate changes in their lifestyle and needs.

These upgrades vary by the room or appliance being modified:

• Bathroom upgrades to avoid falls include grab bars, nonslip surfaces, a place to sit in the shower, and a walk-in tub or shower.
• Bedroom modifications can involve an adjustable bed and, if upstairs or downstairs, the relocation of the bedroom.
• Kitchen upgrades may include stoves with safety features and wheelchair-accessible counters and appliances.
• Lighting should have easy-to-access switches.
• Flooring should include non-shag carpeting to reduce fall risk.
• Doors should be widened, and lever handles installed instead of doorknobs.
• Stairwells should have sturdy railings and thin carpeting, with an electric stair lift if necessary.
• Entryways should have at least one step-free access point, with ramps installed if needed.

These upgrades can be costly, particularly for higher-end modifications. A walk-in tub can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, while a stair lift may range from $2,000 to $14,000.

What Makes Aging in Place Possible?

Along with an individual’s own ability to afford and make upgrades to their home, factors like the cost of housing, transportation options, and local land use policies can affect the ability to age in place.

Increased transportation options can provide greater mobility as older adults reduce their reliance on a personal vehicle. Affordable housing is crucial to preserving independence.

Social connections also play an important role in aging in place. A 2022 survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging found that a majority of older adults said they had someone in their life to help with grocery shopping (84%), household chores (80%), and managing finances (79%). However, a share of older adults, especially those who live alone, lack such support.

How Many Choose Nursing Homes Over Aging in Place?

With most older adults aging in place, fewer Americans are opting for nursing homes, instead choosing at-home care or living with relatives. The number of nursing home residents decreased by 12% from mid-2015 to mid-2023, while in 2021, more than 50 million adults ages 65 and up were living at home.

FAQ

What percentage of people want to age in place?

Upward of 3 in 4 older Americans want to remain in their home as they age.

How many older Americans still live at home?

More than 88% of older adults ages 65 and up lived in their own home in 2021.

Is aging in place becoming more popular?

Yes, fewer people are moving into nursing homes, while a vast majority of Americans hope to live in place.

What are the disadvantages of aging in place?

The costs of making a home “aging-ready” can be a barrier to remaining in place. Modifications can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, and relatively few people have a home that’s adequately prepared.

Are older adults prepared to age in place?

Relatively few homes are ready for aging in place. A 2020 U.S. Census Bureau report estimated that just 10% of homes were “aging-ready,” with step-free entryways and accessible bathrooms.