My wife and I moved to Falmouth more than 20 years ago. Although still considered "wash-a-shores", we have developed deep roots in the community through our volunteer activities and wide circle of friends. As we have aged (I’m in my early 80s), health issues, especially arthritis with its impact on mobility, has made managing stairs and house maintenance more difficult.

Almost every day, my wife and I have a discussion about our future living arrangements—do we stay in our house and spend the money for safety improvements and home maintenance services or move. But, move where? Our decision is to stay in our home and continue to plan for future needs.

Many of our friends and neighbors want the same thing: to stay in their own homes, maintain independence for as long as possible, and live in a community that supports its older residents. According to a study done by AARP, "90 percent of people age 65 and over would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older and not go to a nursing home or assisted living facility."

Staying in your own home as you get older is known as Aging in Place, which is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level."

However, as we age many of us have concerns about safety, getting around, access to healthcare, isolation, and engaging in community activities. Deciding whether to Age in Place or contemplate alternative living arrangements is a significant choice, one that requires planing and careful consideration of the pros and cons.

Benefits of Aging in Place

Familiarity: Surrounded by the memories and possessions that have shaped our lives can provide a sense of comfort and security.

Independence: Aging in Place lets us call the shots and make our own choices. Being independent can help us maintain a higher quality of life, even with age-related limitations.

Community Engagement: Staying in the same community lets us maintain longstanding relationships and social connections, which are important for emotional well-being. And, by staying connected to our community we contribute to its vitality and social fabric.

Cost-Effective: Aging in Place can be more cost-effective than moving to an assisted living or nursing facility. Often, home modifications and in-home professional services are less expensive than institutional care.

Improved Health Outcomes: Aging in Place allows for personalized care plans tailored to our specific needs. Seniors who receive primary healthcare in their community and support at home are less likely to require frequent hospitalizations.

Challenges of Aging in Place

Home Safety: Ensuring that your home is safe and accessible may require investment in home modifications, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or bathroom modifications, which can be costly.

Home Maintenance: As we continue to age, maintaining our houses can become physically challenging. Repairs, yard work, and general upkeep may require assistance.

Healthcare Access: Finding healthcare services can be challenging, especially in areas with an aging population and decreasing availability of primary care physicians.

Social Isolation:Many seniors who choose to Age in Place may face increased isolation if they don't have a robust support system and opportunities for social engagement. This isolation can negatively impact mental health and is a common cause of significant depression in older adults.

Financial Considerations: Funding home modifications and potential home-based healthcare costs can be challenging. Financial planning is crucial to ensure that you have the resources to support your long-term care needs.

Emergency Preparedness: All of us, especially older adults need to have a plan in place for emergencies, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, or power outages.

Transportation: As we give up the keys to our cars, access to reliable transportation becomes increasingly important. Limits to your ability to travel for essentials or social activities can significantly impact quality of life.

The idea of Aging in Place is simple yet powerful: as seniors, we should have the opportunity to maintain our independence, dignity, and quality of life as we age, without the need to move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes.