Understanding the Residential Location Choices of Older Adults

The older adult population is the fastest growing age group in the United States: the Census Bureau projects that people age 65 and older will comprise 20 percent of the population by 2030. A strong, self-reported desire of older households to “age in place,” combined with the enormous fiscal cost of institutional long-term care has led to current public policy focused on enabling households to stay in their current homes and communities for as long as possible. Numerous publications and resources describe strategies for promoting successful aging at home, and they generally emphasize the following: (i) homes that are appropriate, or easily adaptable for people with mobility difficulties; (ii) walkable streets and transportation options besides driving that can provide access to the local community; and (iii) proximity to a wide range of amenities, including health care, general retail services, and participatory community institutions, such as senior centers.