Aging in Place in the USA Today

As America’s population ages, the concept of growing old in one’s own home or community has moved from a personal preference to a national conversation, and the tag of “aging in place” needs little explanation anymore. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.

In 2025, this ideal remains at the heart of many senior plans – with new trends in housing, health care, technology and social support reshaping how, and how successfully, this can be achieved. What’s the current state of play in the USA today with this hugely popular idea?

Demographic Shift and Demand

The demographic imperative is undeniable. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2024 more than 58 million Americans were over the age of 65, and that number is projected to climb to 80 million by 2040. Surveys show that around 77% of older adults express a strong preference to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This desire persists across income levels and regions, although feasibility varies dramatically depending on individual health, support networks, and financial resources.

Physical and Structural Needs

For aging in place to work, the physical environment must adapt to changing mobility and health needs. Most American homes were not designed with aging in mind, particularly those built before 1980. In fact, AARP reports that fewer than 1% of homes are considered universally accessible. Remodeling a home may include adding grab bars in bathrooms, installing stair lifts or ramps, widening doorways for wheelchairs, and converting bathtubs to walk-in showers. These upgrades can range from a few hundred dollars for minor changes to over $50,000 for a full remodel.

Smart home technology now supplements or even replaces some human caregiving. Fall detection sensors, voice-activated lights, medication reminders, and health-monitoring systems that now include the wearable medical alert smartwatch, help many seniors maintain independence longer. However, these technologies also require digital literacy and support, which can be a barrier for some older adults.

Family Cohabitation and Support

Informal caregiving remains a cornerstone of aging in place. Senior Living reports that in 2025, roughly 53 million Americans – one in five -provide care to an older relative or friend, with three-fifths of these being women who also must balance a full- or part-time job. This care can be emotionally and financially draining, especially when it involves complex medical needs or round-the-clock supervision.

In response, multigenerational living arrangements are becoming more common. Pew Research notes that by 2023, nearly one in five Americans lived in a multigenerational household – a trend driven by both cultural preference and economic necessity. For some families, this offers a practical solution to caregiving and companionship needs, although it can require significant space and renegotiation of roles within the household.

Paid and Public Services

Many who age in place eventually rely on paid help. Home health aides, personal care attendants, and visiting nurses can deliver assistance with daily tasks, medication management, and rehabilitation. The average cost for a home health aide in the U.S. is now approximately $33 per hour, according to Genworth’s 2024 Cost of Care Survey. For 40 hours a week, this translates to about $5,700 per month – comparable to the median cost of assisted living.

To mitigate these costs, some states offer Medicaid waiver programs or subsidized home care services, though eligibility and coverage vary widely. Meals on Wheels, transportation services, adult day care, and volunteer visiting programs – often funded by state or local Area Agencies on Aging – help fill the gaps, especially for low-income seniors. However, demand frequently exceeds supply, particularly in rural areas or underserved communities.

Financial Realities and Trade-Offs

The decision to age in place must account for long-term financial implications. While staying in one’s own home avoids the upfront costs of entering a retirement community, at a cost often ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 or more, it may conceal hidden expenses. Beyond remodeling and paid care, older adults may face higher utility bills, property taxes, and ongoing maintenance costs.

In contrast, assisted living communities bundle services such as meals, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities into a monthly fee. For seniors with increasing health needs, skilled nursing facilities, costing upwards of $9,000 monthly, may eventually become necessary. Long-term care insurance can help offset some of these expenses, but fewer than 10% of older adults carry such policies due to high premiums and limited coverage terms.

Reverse mortgages are sometimes marketed as a way to finance aging in place, allowing homeowners to tap into their equity. While they can provide needed cash flow, they also come with complex terms, and misuse or misunderstanding of the product can risk foreclosure. For an elder wishing to bequeath the homestead to the next generations, this can be a problem.

Social and Emotional Factors

Aging in place is not just a logistical or economic choice, it’s also a deeply personal one. For many, staying at home preserves autonomy, familiarity, and emotional well-being. Yet isolation is a growing concern. The U.S. Surgeon General warned in 2023 that loneliness among older adults poses health risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Staying socially connected, whether through community centers, religious groups, or digital platforms, is critical to successful aging in place.

Some communities have responded with innovations such as “village” networks – member-run organizations that offer support, transportation, and social events in exchange for modest dues. Others are experimenting with co-housing, sharing residences where older adults live semi-independently but support one another through cooperation and shared responsibility.

Looking Ahead

The landscape of aging in place is evolving alongside demographic, technological, and economic pressures. As America confronts the needs of its rapidly growing senior population, policymakers and families alike will need to rethink traditional models of care and housing. Incentivizing home retrofits, expanding Medicaid-funded in-home services, supporting caregivers with financial and respite relief, and promoting socially connected communities will all be essential.

Ultimately, aging in place offers dignity, familiarity, and control, but it must be planned for strategically. With thoughtful preparation and a blend of personal, public, and technological support, many older Americans can thrive at home well into advanced age.