The Positive Aging Community recently hosted a dynamic discussion on one of the most pressing questions facing older adults and their families: should you age in place or consider making a move? Moderated by Steve Gurney, the session drew on recent survey data, expert insights, and robust audience participation to explore the nuanced factors that shape this deeply personal decision.

Desire to Stay vs. Need to Move

A central theme emerged from the discussion: most older adults want to remain in their homes as they age. Citing the December 2024 AARP “Aging in Place in Community” study, Gurney noted that 75% of adults age 50 and older wish to stay in their current homes, while 73% hope to remain in their communities, even if that means moving to a different type of residence within the same area1. This distinction—between “aging in place” and “aging in community”—reflects a growing recognition that while the desire for continuity is strong, practical needs may prompt changes in living arrangements.

Key Factors Driving Decisions

The conversation highlighted several major considerations:

• Cost of Living: The primary driver for those contemplating a move is affordability. Sixty-five percent of adults aged 50+ would relocate for a lower cost of living, and 71% of those anticipating a move cite rent or mortgage expenses as a key factor1.

• Social Connections: The importance of social opportunities and avoiding isolation is on the rise. Loneliness and lack of engagement are now widely recognized as significant health risks, prompting many to seek out communities with more robust social infrastructures1.

• Home Maintenance and Accessibility: The cost and effort of maintaining a home, as well as the need for modifications to address mobility or safety, are major concerns. Forty-three percent of older adults expect they’ll need to make their homes more accessible as they age1.

• Attitudes Toward Age-Restricted Communities: While age-segregated communities offer services and amenities, they are less appealing to many older adults, who prefer to remain integrated within broader, intergenerational neighborhoods1.

A Four-Legged Stool: Planning for Meaning and Purpose

Gurney introduced a helpful metaphor for decision-making: the “four-legged stool.” The seat represents living with meaning and purpose, supported by four legs:

1. Mobility: What if you can’t drive or don’t want to drive?

2. Home Accessibility: What if you can’t easily move around your home?

3. Social Connections: What if you’re not connected to neighbors or your community?

4. Cognitive Health: What if you experience cognitive decline, such as dementia?

Participants were encouraged to reflect on these questions as a framework for planning, emphasizing that having a plan—rather than simply hoping to age in place—is crucial for positive outcomes.

Financial Stability and Community Options

The discussion also addressed concerns about the financial stability of senior living communities, particularly in light of recent bankruptcies among life plan communities. Gurney advised potential residents to be cautious consumers: ask about entry fee refunds, review financial health documents, and consult with professionals before making a decision.

Watch the recording and review chat, etc. https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/aging-in-place-or-making-a-move-open-forum-and-q-a

For more information, resources, and the latest research, visit the AARP Aging in Place Study and the Positive Aging Community.