Older Adults Want to Age-in-Place, But Many Don't Expect They'll Be Able to

2. Cost of living is the main driver for older adults looking for a new community. Sixty-five percent of adults 50+ said they would leave their community for one with a lower cost of living. Other features they want in a new community: one with little to no crime (61 percent), high-quality health facilities and providers (56 percent) and a variety of more affordable housing options (55 percent). Lower down on the priority list but still key: being closer to family or friend and houses within walking distance to stores, restaurants.

3. The desire for social connection opportunities in communities is on the rise for all adults. The top five social features adults want access to: a variety of restaurants and retail shops, affordable activities, conveniently located public libraries and community centers, accessible entertainment and social venues, and a variety of cultural activities and events.

4. The cost of maintaining a house is a major concern. The 44 percent that anticipate a move will be necessary cite the need for affordable housing as the main reason.

Among that group, 71 percent of adults cited rent or mortgage expense as a key issue when expecting to have to move. And 60 percent said they want to lower the costs of housing and maintenance. Also at play: high property taxes with 55 percent citing that as a reason to find a new place.

Wanting a home that will be able to withstand natural disasters was in the top three reasons given to move, with 55 percent of respondents citing that as a concern.

5. Older adults aren't keen on communities designed for 50-plus adults. While two-thirds of all adults say downsizing is a good option, most adults 50-plus (75 percent) still want a single-family home. Interestingly, more adults in the younger age group (18-49) than the older (50-plus), say they would eventually be interested in living in a neighborhood designed for older adults with a mix of housing types (townhomes, homes, apartments, etc.). The younger age group is also more open to living in a continuing care community — a place designed to offer care through different phases of the aging process — than those 50-plus.

6. Those over 50 who plan to stay put expect to modify their homes. Forty-three percent of older adults say they'll need to make their homes more accessible as they age — including 72 percent that plan to add bathroom modifications such as grab bars and no-slip tile. Also on the list: easier access in and around the home with 71 percent stating they'll likely need to install ramps, chairlifts or wider doorways. Lower priorities but still cited as important: improving lighting outside and inside the home, modifying the kitchen to include accessible features, and putting the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or laundry on the main floor. Not surprisingly, 72 percent of adults 50-plus said it was extremely important to have trustworthy, high-quality contractors available in their community.

7. New or improved technology is part of the age-in-place plan for 50 adults. Medical emergency response systems and home safety features (doorbell and surveillance cameras) topped the list of tech older adults expect to install in their homes to safely age-in-place. Also included: smart home devices (voice-activated assistant or smart appliances) and energy saving devices, as well as improved heating and cooling systems and improved in-home internet.

8. For caregivers, support is paramount. Nearly half of all adults are currently caregivers (13 percent), or expect to be (34 percent) at some point in their life, according to the survey, with one in three likely to care for that person in their home. Caregivers share many of the same community priorities as other adults when it comes to accessible and quality health care (affordable, high-quality health care that is conveniently located as well as a variety of health care providers). But caregivers place more importance on being in a community that can help them find and access health care and community services (71 percent) compared to non-caregivers (64 percent).

And one in four older adults who are current homeowners have or would consider building an accessible dwelling unit on their property. The main reason? To provide space for a loved one who needed care or a place to live (55 percent) followed by a place for family or friends to stay (52 percent).