Aging in Place: What it Means & How to Prepare

As we grow older, many of us hope to remain in the comfort and familiarity of our own homes for as long as possible. This desire is known as aging in place — the ability to live safely and independently in one’s home and community, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

For aging adults and their loved ones, understanding the options and making a plan can reduce stress and help ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind in the years ahead. Aging in place involves making intentional decisions about how and where you want to live as you age. This might mean modifying your home to improve safety and accessibility, arranging for in-home care or support services, or connecting with community programs that help meet your evolving needs. 

For those who may be considering this plan long-term, it’s important for you to consider all aspects of what this might look like for you and your loved ones. There are certainly many benefits to aging in place: 

• Being in your own home can be emotionally comforting and help reduce stress.
• Making choices about your environment and lifestyle supports autonomy, which can result in better mental health as you continue to age. 
• In some cases, choosing to age in place can be more affordable than moving to assisted living or nursing facilities.
• Staying in your home often means staying near friends, neighbors, and social networks. Having a built in community around you is important to overall health and wellbeing. 

As with any other life plan, it is important to plan ahead for success. We’ve put together a list of items to keep in mind as you consider aging in place for you or a loved one. 

Home Modifications

As you age, your physical abilities can change which necessitates changes to your environment. The National Institute on Aging has a helpful guide to home safety for older adults, but here are a few simple changes that can make a big difference: 

• Install Grab Bars in Bathrooms
• Improve Lighting in Hallways and Stairwells
• Add Ramps or Stair Lifts
• Replace Doorknobs with Lever Handles
• Remove or Secure Area Rugs or Other Tripping Hazards

Health & Personal Care

Take time to consider what resources you’ll need access to and how you can sustainably provide them. In-home health aides, personal care assistance, nurse or therapy visits, and medication management support are all items you should think about as you make a plan. Medicare and local Area Agencies on Aging often offer programs that can help link you to adequate resources. 

Transportation and Mobility

A natural progression of aging is that driving can become more difficult. When aging in place, it’s important to have a plan in place for how you will stay active and independent, as well as fulfilling regular needs like grocery shopping or doctor’s appointments. Take time to research local rideshare, senior shuttle, public transportation, or volunteer driver programs. Many of these options may offer a senior discount, so be sure to inquire about that option as well. 

Social and Emotional Well-being

Loneliness is a common yet often overlooked part of aging, and it can have serious impacts on both mental and physical health. Studies have linked social isolation in older adults to higher risks of depression, cognitive decline, and even heart disease. Staying socially engaged and active is vital, and here are some ways you can meet those needs: 

• Local Senior Centers‍
• Faith-based or Community Group Activities
• Online Classes
• Scheduled Calls or Video Chats with Friends or Loved Ones 

Financial Planning

A huge part of planning for life changes is anticipating the costs that are involved. As we age, it’s important to calculate what we will need to continue meeting our needs through the coming years. As you get started, review current internet coverage, explore any relevant benefit programs like Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance, and consider consulting with a financial planner who specializes in elder care. If you still need help understanding the financial side of aging in place, consider referencing the National Council on Aging’s BenefitsCheckUp Tool. 

For adult children or caregivers, starting a conversation with aging parents or relatives about their wishes can be challenging—but it’s essential. Approach the topic with compassion and listen actively. Consider working together to create a written plan that outlines preferences, emergency contacts, and medical directives. 

Aging in place is about maintaining quality of life in the setting that feels most like home. With thoughtful preparation, it’s possible to age with grace, safety, and dignity. If you or a loved one is also thinking about long-term legacy planning—whether it’s financial, personal, or scientific—know that options like whole-body donation can be a meaningful part of that journey. At Science Care, we’re here to support informed decisions every step of the way.