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Are Americans Talking with Their Parents About Independent Living: A 2007 Study Among Boomer Women

by Laura Skufca, AARP Knowledge Management, AARP Research, November 2007

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Most boomer women have had conversations with their parents about their ability to live independently as they get older, but less than half have actually begun planning for care their parents might need. Results from this survey of women age 45+ suggest that significant opportunities exist for educating the public in this area.

The study found that:

  • About two-thirds of respondents (69%) have had conversations with their parents about their ability to live independently as they get older. However, only 40% have begun to plan with their parents for assistance they may need in the years to come.
  • Two-thirds (68%) feel that their parents would be able to pay for assistance.
  • In considering where their parents might go if they were unable to live by themselves, respondents most often mentioned having their parents move in with them (43%) or remain at home with paid help (33%). Only 17% had considered the possibility of their parents moving into a nursing home.
  • The majority are familiar with community resources their parents might draw on, such as assisted transportation, meal services, adult day care, assistance with everyday activities, and assisted living facilities.
  • More than half of respondents have begun to think about their own ability to live independently when they get older and how they would pay for any assistance they may need.

ICR conducted this telephone survey of 629 randomly selected women age 45+ during October 10-28, 2007. For more information, contact Laura Skufca, M.A., at 202-434-6285. (10 pages)