Nearly all Americans 65 and older live in their own homes — and most hope to stay there as they age — but many aren’t fully confident that will happen, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
The survey finds that 93% of adults 65 and older currently live in their own home or apartment. Among them, 9% say someone provides care for them in their home.
Only small shares of older adults report other living arrangements. About 2% live in the home of an adult child, 1% live with another family member, and 1% live in an assisted living facility. Another 3% report some other arrangement.
A strong preference for aging in place
Among older adults who live in their own home without a caregiver, 60% say that if they could no longer live independently, they would prefer to stay in their home and have someone provide care there.
Far fewer say they would want to move elsewhere. About 18% say they would prefer assisted living, 11% would want to move in with a family member, and just 1% would choose a nursing home. Another 8% say they would prefer some other arrangement.
Income plays a role in those preferences. Upper-income older adults are more likely to favor assisted living, with 28% saying they would prefer that option. That compares with 19% of middle-income adults and 13% of lower-income adults.
Confidence gap
Even among those with clear preferences, confidence is mixed.
Among older adults who say they would want to remain in their home with a caregiver, 37% say that outcome is extremely or very likely. But 18% say it is not too or not at all likely.
Those who would prefer assisted living express similar uncertainty. About 35% say moving to assisted living is highly likely, while 16% say it is unlikely.
Older adults who say they would rather move in with family are the most optimistic. A majority, 58%, say that arrangement is highly likely, and just 9% say it is unlikely.
Costs may factor into that uncertainty. The survey finds that only 21% of adults 65 and older have long-term care insurance that would help cover ongoing living assistance.
The findings highlight both the strong desire among older Americans to age in place and the financial and practical questions that may shape where they ultimately live.
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