Health News
A new poll conducted by the University of Michigan provides insight into how elderly people plan or prepare to “age in place” in their homes.
The Poll
The National Poll on Healthy Aging was conducted with Americans over 50 and less than 80 years of age. They were asked questions about modifying or moving homes and planning or affording in-home help.
The Findings
The poll results revealed that 88% of the respondents wanted to live in their homes for as long as possible. Amongst them, only 15% had given a lot of thought about the ways they can modify their homes, whereas 47% had given the matter no thought at all. People who wanted to age in place were also the ones who ‘updated’ their homes with ‘smart home’ devices, safety-focused technologies, or personal emergency response systems.
Only 19% of the aged participants are confident about hiring help for household chores, grocery shopping, personal care, or managing their finances. In fact, most older adults—who identified their current health status as poor—revealed that they could not afford such help.
Benefits Of The Study
The researchers are enthusiastic that the study can aid policy proposals about home-based services at governmental levels. It can also help elderly people better explore their health care providers and local social service agencies and avail the kinds of support available to them. Especially given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on older adults, they recommend that people looking to age in place should rely on the support of their own families and loved ones.
One of the lead researchers, Preeti Malani, elaborated, “Family members can help encourage older adults to find out what’s available, to invest in home improvements, and to aid them in installing safety devices and technologies that can help keep them aging in place.”
To Know More You May Refer To
University of Michigan. (2022, April 13). Most older adults want to ‘age in place’ but many haven’t taken steps to help them do so: From home safety and accessibility, to social support, community services and paid in-home help, National Poll on Healthy Aging shows varied preparation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 20, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220413203139.htm