As you might expect, aging in place refers to an individual residing in their preferred dwelling. We generally think of this to mean that an older adult prefers to reside at a familiar residence where he or she has lived for many years, and this is generally the case, but this description seems too narrow. For instance, an older adult may choose to move to a smaller residence but remain in the same community. Or, an older adult may choose to move out of their community entirely and reside alongside other like-minded, or demographically similar, folks or choose to reside in a more hospitable climate.
Keeping the aforementioned description in mind, a good start to defining aging in place is stating that it involves remaining in the community, with some level of independence, rather than in residential care (link to source). Add to this the notion of having the ability to live safely and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level (link to source), and we are almost at a well rounded definition of what aging in place means.
The definition above is slightly skewed toward tangible aspects of aging in place. For instance, it focuses on physical (dwelling) and financial (income) matters. I acknowledge the impact that familiarity and attachment with one’s home and surroundings have on a person’s well-being and quality of life, but I think something is missing.
As such, how about we add to the following statement to the definition of aging in place: that it allows for maintaining and creating new social connections (link to source), including facilitating cultural engagement, creating physical and recreational activities and widening the informal support network.
So, combining the elements above, here is my definition of Aging in Place:
Aging in place involves being able to choose to remain in the community, with some level of independence, rather than in residential care. It is having the ability to live safely and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level and it allows for maintaining and creating social connections, including facilitating cultural engagement, physical and recreational activities and widening one’s informal support network.
I want to emphasize the importance of the notion that an older adult should be able to choose where he or she lives and have the resources available to realize that choice.
The above definition brings together the most important elements of successfully aging in place. The physical environment is intimately connected to achieving well-being as we age, and the social connectedness facilitated by our surroundings contributes greatly to continued sense of belonging, attachment, and happiness.
—————————————–
I suggest reading the following research paper by Wiles et al. Its broader view of aging in place provide insights on the importance of one’s physical environment along with discussions of the symbolic and social importance of place, and the acknowledgement that these dimensions are rarely static, if ever, and are negotiated and renegotiated by the older adults who perceive and interact with them.
Janine L. Wiles, PhD, Annette Leibing, PhD, Nancy Guberman, MSW, Jeanne Reeve, PhD, Ruth E. S. Allen, PhD, The Meaning of “Aging in Place” to Older People, The Gerontologist, Volume 52, Issue 3, June 2012, Pages 357–366, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnr098
Image credit: Genevieve Russo