“Aging in place” is about autonomy and community for older adults

As more older Americans choose to age in place — remaining in their own residences and communities as they grow older — a new wave of tools, programs and innovations is making that goal more achievable than ever.

This comes at a time when growing research continues to highlight the benefits of aging at home. According to AARP, Americans are placing greater importance on not just how long they live, but how well they live, with 75-80% of adults ages 50 and over saying they want to remain in their homes as they age.¹

The definition of “home” is also changing these days. Aging in place looks different for everyone based on their health, mobility and circle of support, but with the right preparation and precautions, it can be achieved across a wide variety of circumstances and living situations.

Aging in place can look like:

• Staying in the same home they have lived in their entire adult lives, with modifications like grab bars and stairlifts

• Downsizing to a smaller, more manageable home that requires less upkeep and/or is only one floor

• Moving into a home with adult children or siblings

• Moving to a retirement community that supports independent living

• Shared housing, where older adults live alongside their peers

“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.”

These ties to place and people can have a real impact 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.²

“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 is able to age in place, those who can may also benefit not just from keeping their own sleep schedule and diet, but a lower risk of facility-acquired infections and hospital visits.

A 2025 study of 219 veterans (average age 81)³ found a Veterans Affairs (VA) home-based care program:

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

The findings suggest that when older adults get the right support they need at home, they don’t just avoid institutionalization, they use fewer crisis-level medical services.

To be successful, aging in place requires a holistic, coordinated approach, Julie said.

“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 in place, older Americans aging at home are vulnerable to falls and medical emergencies that could go undetected for hours or even days. Medications could be mismanaged, with missed or wrong doses, and social isolation can set in, accelerating cognitive decline. Family caregivers who support loved ones also face a heavy toll on their mental and physical health, which can lead to burnout or compromise the quality of care they’re able to provide.

Thankfully, technological innovation, the expansion of community-based support networks and increased collaboration in recent years among insurers, providers and communities can help mitigate the potential risks of aging in place.

In addition to critical home modifications like securing loose rugs or installing grab bars in bathrooms, smart home devices can help detect warning signs before a major health issue occurs. These include medication reminders, fall detection and even data that tracks whether a person has touched their refrigerator. Wearables and health tracking devices also offer real-time data to both 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 networks including local nonprofits, senior services organizations and neighborhood programs offer critical services like transportation to doctors’ appointments and for errands, as well as meal delivery. For example, the Village-to-Village Network links people with neighbors and volunteers for everyday support, while Lotsa Helping Hands helps families and caregivers organize the logistics of care — from meal drop-offs to rides to appointments — among those who already know and love them.

“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 sort of unified coordination can, and does, take many forms. For example, a doctor or a care team might identify that a patient needs help getting around and then connect them with a benefit their insurance plan covers, like a ride to the pharmacy to pick up their medications or a trip to the grocery store.

With the right tools and early planning, people who can age in place can do so more safely, comfortably and with greater peace of mind. The ingredients for success include a safe home environment, strong social ties and access to reliable health care — and caregiving that's able to adapt when 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.”