RAYMOND, Miss. -- Many older adults want to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, but deciding to age in place should be carefully considered.

“When people can stay in their own homes, that has a positive impact on their happiness, self-esteem and quality of life,” said Pamela Redwine, a family, health and wellness agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Yalobusha County.

“We know that happiness also has a positive influence on their health and well-being. You just want to be sure their home is ‘aging ready’ and that they have access to the support and services they need.”

Some of the first factors to consider are the home itself, finances, personal health and the community.

Evaluate the home to see what modifications it may need to make it safe and accessible.

“Ask yourself is my home ‘aging ready’? Does it have a step-free entryway, a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, and does it have features that can be easily adapted for future needs, such as a home office that can be turned into a bathroom or extra bedroom for a caregiver?” Redwine said.

If the home needs extensive or expensive modifications, weigh the cost of making these changes versus finding a home that is already ready or can be adapted with greater ease or less expense.

In addition to the cost of making a home safe and accessible, consider the costs of maintaining the home and landscape, as well as any at-home health or personal care that might be needed.

 “Maintaining a home can become more challenging with age, so planning for potential maintenance costs and adapting the home for easier maintenance is important,” Redwine said. “At-home care may be less expensive than assisted-living facilities or nursing homes, but it can still be costly.”

According to a paper published in the Delaware Journal of Public Health in 2022, 78% of adults in the U.S. over age 55 have a chronic medical condition, such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes. In adults 65 or older, 85% live with one or more of these conditions, and it is important to think about how these conditions might affect independent living.

Access to services, including pharmacies, medical care, public transportation, restaurants or senior meal centers and locations that offer social and physical activities, should also be considered.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older. Each year, one in four older adults report falling.

Several factors increase the risk of falling, including certain medications, certain medical conditions, age-related loss of muscle mass, household clutter and diminished eyesight, hearing and slower reflexes.

Modifications that can make the home safer and more accessible include:

• Making small changes, such as installing railings, grab bars, and nightlights, which can greatly improve safety and independence.
• Widening doorways and adding nonslip flooring, walk-in showers and nonslip bathtub mats.
• Installing proper lighting throughout the home, particularly in hallways and staircases, is essential for safety, especially as vision may decline with age.
• Installing emergency alert systems and smoke detectors with strobe lights.
• Adding an elevator if keeping the main bedroom and bathroom upstairs.

People should also have a plan for any support and assistance that is needed now or may be needed in the future.

“While family and friends can provide invaluable support, it’s important to have a clear plan for how they will contribute, what tasks they will be responsible for and how to manage the potential strain on their relationships,” Redwine said.

Make a plan now for any unforeseen health issues that could affect mobility, memory or daily living activities. Know how to access medical care, manage medications and potentially adapt your home or lifestyle.

For some, aging in place can be lonely. It is important to think about the opportunities available to connect with others.

“Aging in place can lead to social isolation, especially if mobility limitations or other factors make it difficult to maintain social connections,” Redwine said. “Actively planning for social interactions whether through community groups, volunteer work or connecting with neighbors, can help combat loneliness.”

For more information on aging in place, falls and fall prevention, visit the National Institute on Aging website. Caregivers, older adults and healthcare providers can find several training and educational resources to prevent falls in the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries, or STEADI, Initiative.