A recent poll reveals that 46% of adults aged 65 and older have proactively taken steps to “age in place.” This includes 31% who have modified their homes to be more age-amiable and 26% who have already relocated to residences better suited to their evolving needs. Some older adults have undertaken both types of preparations.

Notably, a important majority-84%-of surveyed “older adults” expressed confidence in their ability to remain in their current homes for the foreseeable future. This sentiment is shared by 80% of those who have not yet initiated any aging-in-place measures.

The “National Poll on Healthy Aging” and “Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging” highlight the diverse range of actions older adults are undertaking, or planning to undertake, to adapt their living environments to their long-term needs-a concept known as aging in place.

The poll indicates that individuals reporting disabilities, difficulties with walking or climbing stairs, or compromised physical or mental health are more likely to have already taken or intend to take steps to facilitate aging in place, compared to their healthier counterparts.

Though, those grappling with health, disability, or mobility challenges also expressed greater concerns about the potential difficulties in implementing necessary future modifications.

The poll, conducted at the University of Michigan Institute for Health care Policy and Innovation, is supported by Michigan Medicine, U-M’s academic medical center, with additional support from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The “National Poll on Healthy aging” previously examined aging in place in 2022 among adults aged 50 to 80.

This latest poll focuses on individuals aged 65 and older, dividing them into two cohorts: 65 to 74, and 75 and older. Building upon prior research, it delves deeper into the actions and intentions of older adults.

“Our new poll shows variation in age-in-place preparations that suggests major opportunities for older adults and their families,and also for policymakers,” said Erica Solway,Ph.D., M.S.W., M.P.H., the poll’s deputy director. “Taking proactive steps to make homes safer and more pleasant, even before that’s urgently needed, may help older adults fulfill their goal of aging in place.”

Current and Planned Age-Friendly Home Features

The poll inquired about specific home features known to mitigate the risk of falls and other incidents that can lead to serious injuries, hospitalizations, and even premature mortality.

currently,49% of adults aged 65 and older have installed grab bars in their bathrooms to enhance safety on slippery surfaces,while 56% have walk-in showers. To address stair-related barriers, 38% have stair-free entries or ramps, and 80% have bedrooms on the first floor. Additionally, 38% have lever door handles, which are easier to use for individuals with arthritis and other conditions.

The poll also surveyed those whose homes lack age-friendly modifications about their intentions to add such features. Among this group, 25% plan to install a walk-in shower, 36% intend to add bathroom grab bars, 12% plan to create a stair-free home entry or add a ramp, and 12% indicated they would add a first-floor bedroom.

Cost is the primary concern regarding aging-in-place modifications, with 38% citing cost barriers as a current or anticipated challenge. 30% expressed concerns about being unable to perform the modifications themselves, and 29% cited difficulties in finding qualified professionals to perform the work.

“Taking proactive steps to make homes safer and more comfortable, even before that’s urgently needed, may help older adults fulfill their goal of aging in place.”

Differences by Home Ownership Status

the poll highlights renters, who comprise 14% of the 65-and-older population. While 31% of renters reported having already moved to a residence better suited to their needs, renters overall were less likely to have made home modifications compared to homeowners.