Affordability. It’s on everyone’s mind, especially when it comes to living arrangements.
Online searches for housing-related topics reached a two-year high in mid-2025, and for many Americans, the rising cost of buying, renting, or maintaining a home has become a top concern.
Out of these financial pressures, a clear trend has emerged: More older adults are choosing to stay in their current homes as they age. Known as aging in place, this decision isn’t just about comfort or familiarity. It’s increasingly driven by financial realities, safety considerations, and overall quality of life.
So, what is aging in place — and could it be shaping your future, too?
Aging in place refers to the ability of people to live safely and comfortably in their own homes as they grow older, with minimal disruption to independence and lifestyle. Achieving this can require home maintenance, targeted repairs, and modifications that improve accessibility and safety.
But while the desire to age in place is strong, preparedness often lags behind.
Estimates show roughly 77% to 84% of adults aged 50+ prefer to remain in their homes, yet only about 10% currently have homes fully adapted for aging-in-place needs. This gap between intention and readiness highlights a growing challenge for homeowners and communities alike.
The U.S. housing market remains volatile. Elevated mortgage rates, rising construction costs, and high home prices make relocating — or purchasing a new home — less appealing or feasible for many older adults.
When healthcare, supervision, and daily living expenses are added to the mix, older adults — many living on fixed incomes — often feel significant financial strain. Senior living options can be even more expensive, with assisted living median costs estimated at $75,756 per year.
Staying in an owned home, especially if mortgage-free, can be a more affordable alternative.
While aging in place may reduce monthly housing costs, home repairs and modifications are becoming a barrier.
Homeownership expenses — including materials and labor — have climbed sharply in recent years. Core homeownership costs now average more than $21,000 per year, a figure many older homeowners did not plan for long-term.
As a result, a disconnect has emerged: Homes need repairs, but fewer homeowners can afford them.
Delaying repairs like leaky roofs, uneven flooring, faulty wiring, or poor ventilation may feel like short-term savings, but these issues can create serious safety hazards for older adults with mobility, balance, or health limitations.
Unexpected repairs often cost thousands of dollars. In one national homeowner survey, 46% of homeowners reported spending more than $5,000 out of pocket on unexpected home repairs in a single year. For older homeowners, these surprise expenses can drain savings or lead to high-interest debt.
Aging in place frequently requires improvements like ramps, grab bars, or widened doorways:
When households are already struggling to keep up with basic maintenance, these necessary upgrades may be postponed or unattainable.
Several federal, state, and community-based programs aim to reduce barriers to aging in place by supporting safe, functional housing and wellbeing:
Tax incentives may also offset costs for accessibility-related home improvements.
Some cities, including our home base of St. Louis, offer centralized access to aging services and community resources. Local government and nonprofit systems are often the best places to start when exploring available support.
In addition to policy and community support, homeowners can explore practical, cost-effective home solutions — from weatherproofing to protecting the foundation — that help extend a home’s lifespan and improve safety.
Protective measures that keep out pests and wildlife, allow proper airflow while fending off the elements, and reduce fire risk can all play a role in making a home safer and more resilient over time.
Supporting aging in place commonly starts with proactive planning:
If aging in place is the goal, there are options available to help make it happen.
Aging in place reflects a strong desire among older adults to remain in familiar surroundings, but rising housing costs, deferred repairs, and safety challenges mean that desire alone isn’t enough.
Addressing affordability, home readiness, and access to support is essential for making aging in place not only possible, but safe and sustainable for years to come.