Older Adults Finding Value In Senior Living, But Worry About Independence, Privacy 

Seniors are increasingly realizing the value, safety and support that senior living communities can provide, but they worry about preserving their independence and privacy.

A Place for Mom recently surveyed 1,391 U.S. adults aged 60 to 90 to better understand how older adults view senior living, what they want from community life, and what could influence whether or when they would consider moving.

Over half of the respondents (54%) believe senior living can meet their practical needs as they continue to age. Only about one-third (34%) said they thought senior living communities could fulfill personal wants such as independence, fun, privacy and respect extremely or very well.

Almost all of the respondents to the APFM survey, 98%, said they see more than one advantage in the idea of moving to senior living from their homes, citing maintenance-free living, having help available when their needs change and opportunities to socialize and make friends. Another 96% of respondents also noted at least one perceived disadvantage of moving into senior living such as less privacy, worries about giving up control over daily life, leaving their home and losing their independence. 

“I find [my senior living community] oppressive and too bureaucratic; physical needs are met but emotional fulfillment leaves something to be desired,” one respondent said in the report.

More than half of respondents, 54%, said that knowing someone living in a community would primarily shape their opinion of the industry. About one-third (36%) said the same about conversations with family and friends. Almost half of respondents (47%) stated state inspection and licensing records would make them trust a community more and 43% want an opportunity to speak privately with current residents or their families, according to the report’s authors.

More than half of respondents (57%) said being around others at a similar stage of life and having access to people they could build meaningful connections. Another 51% said they want to be accepted for who they are.

When moving into senior living, older adults are looking at a continuation of familiar activities rather than learn or try for the first time, according to the report.

“In all, respondents weren’t necessarily looking to replace their routines or adopt an entirely new lifestyle. They want a setting that makes it easier to continue relationships, interests, and activities that already give their lives meaning,” the report states.

Fall-prevention technology interested 38% of the survey respondents, who noting they were “extremely or very interested in learning more about technology designed to help prevent, detect and respond to falls without cameras.” Another 34% were interested in smartphone-powered personalized fitness and healthy-aging program and 29% were interested in AI companionship.

“For the next generation of senior living, meeting residents’ changing care needs is only the starting point,” the report’s authors wrote. “Communities must also show that older adults can continue to recognize their lives as their own, with their identities, relationships, interests, and meaningful control over daily life intact.”

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