"Aging in Place in America" study commissioned by Clarity® and The EAR Foundation examines Seniors' and Boomers' attitudes on aging and independence
Senior citizens fear moving into a nursing home and losing their
independence more than death, according to
a new research study, “Aging
in Place in America,” commissioned by
Clarity and
The EAR Foundation,
that examines the attitudes and anxieties of the nation’s elderly
population. The children of Seniors also fear for their parents, with
particular concern about their emotional and physical well-being should
they have to enter a nursing home.
This is the third in a series of studies since 2003 commissioned by
a partnership of Clarity and The EAR Foundation to better understand
the health and lifestyle needs of America’s aging population. For
“Aging in Place in America,” two groups were surveyed to allow a
comparative analysis of the attitudes of Seniors age 65 and older who
are living at home with those of Baby Boomers who have Senior parents.
One of the most significant findings of the study is that, when
asked what they fear most, Seniors rated loss of independence (26%) and
moving out of home into a nursing home (13%) as their greatest fears.
These two possibilities are a much higher concern than death, which was
the greatest fear for only three percent of Seniors.
Other key findings include:
- Vast majority of Seniors (89%) want to age in place – or grow older without having to move from their homes -- and more than half (53%) are concerned about their ability to do so.
- Large majority (82%) of Baby Boomers fear their parents will be mistreated in a nursing home and 89% fear they will be sad.
- Seniors living at home are determined to maintain their independence; they report that they require – and receive – limited support from their children or other caregivers.
- Not only are Boomers concerned about their aging parents, almost two-thirds (63%) are providing some kind of help or support to them.
- Half of Seniors are open to using new technologies to enable
independence, including having sensors installed in their homes to
monitor their health.
- Baby Boomers have not turned to technology to assist their aging
parents. Only 14% have actually looked for solutions that would help
them ensure the health and safety of their parents.
“These findings tell us that, above all else, older Americans value
their ability to live independently,” said Peter Bell, president of
National Aging in Place Council. “As a society, we must find ways to
help our parents and grandparents live their latter years at home. We
must make aging in place a national priority and a reality for older
Americans.”
Clarity president Carsten Trads said, “Clarity and The EAR
Foundation commissioned this study because we are committed to finding
ways to enhance the quality of life for our aging population. These
findings are both concerning and eye-opening. Independent living is a
key determinant of quality of life for seniors, and we owe it to them
to create solutions that make aging in place effortless and achievable.”
Download the full "Aging in Place in America" study results (PDF)
Read the full press release about the "Aging in Place in America" study
Posted by John Hawbaker, Clarity
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