Building for the Future: Creating Homes and Communities for Aging Well

Although most people prefer to remain in their current homes and communities as they age, many acknowledge that relocating could be a possibility in the future, according to the latest AARP Home & Community Preferences national survey.

The vast majority of Americans age 50-plus would like to live in their current home (75 percent) and community (73 percent) for as long as possible, according to the study, which surveyed more than 3,000 adults 18 or older. The desire to stay put is even stronger among adults age 65-plus and those living in small towns or rural areas.

Yet, the reality is that about half of adults 18 or older say they are not confident their community will continue to meet their needs as they age, and 44 percent of those age 50-plus expect to relocate at some point.

When a move is planned

Why do older adults plan to move?

AARP finds that financial reasons are a big driver: 71 percent cite the cost of rent or mortgage; 60 percent want to lower the costs of housing and maintenance; and 55 percent say the high cost of property taxes is the reason for moving.

About two-thirds of all adults would consider downsizing, but the kind of housing they prefer varies somewhat by age. Ideally, most still want a single-family home (75 percent of those 50-plus vs. 84 percent of adults 18–49).

An active adult community or neighborhood designed for people 55 and older with a mix of homes, townhomes, apartments, and mobile homes appeals to about 48 percent of younger adults and only 32 percent of those 50 or over. A continuing care community is a likely choice for 45 percent of adults ages 18–49 and just 29 percent of older adults.

Home alterations and caregiver considerations

About half of all adults are either caregivers currently (13 percent) or expect to be at some time (34 percent), and a third (33 percent) will do that caregiving in their own home. To provide space for a loved one who needs care or a place to live, one in four older homeowners say they would consider building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a term that refers to such spaces as in-law suites, backyard bungalows, and garage apartments.

AARP reports that among adults 50-plus who are unsure their community will be suited for them as they age, 41 percent say they will never leave their current home — regardless of their uncertainty or lack of confidence.

The implication is that some older adults (43 percent) are looking to make changes so their home is better equipped to accommodate future physical limitations. Among those planning home modifications, 72 percent are looking to upgrade the bathroom (grab bars and no-slip tile), and 71 percent anticipate changes to make it easier to get into or around their home (ramps or chairlifts).

Tech devices are appealing to many older adults looking to improve home safety: 64 percent plan to install a medical emergency response system and 44 percent want to add smart home security features.

Community factors

In addition to their home, neighborhood connections and services are critical to adults as they age. AARP notes that as communities strive to become more livable for all residents, they need to focus on providing adequate housing, transportation, health services, safe public spaces, social activities, jobs and information.

The survey reveals most adults are satisfied with their current location — and those with deeper roots even more so. While 60 percent of young adults (18–49) say their community currently meets their needs very or extremely well, 71 percent of adults 50-plus and 75 percent of those 65 and over feel that way.

When it comes to choosing a community, adults of all ages value clean water, reliable utilities, access to quality health care, and streets and sidewalks that are well maintained and safe.

While job-related needs and opportunities have remained consistent in recent years, the latest survey reflects a growing interest in housing. About two-thirds of all adults (62 percent) mention affordable housing as a factor; 56 percent want housing options to fit their changing needs as they age; and 53 percent want housing with accessibility features.

Those 50 or older place greater importance on community features that directly affect their health. Caregivers especially are looking for convenient access to a variety of quality, affordable health care services in their communities.

Methodology

The AARP research was based on a survey of 3,090 adults age 18-plus, and the data were weighted to reflect U.S. demographics. The online survey was conducted in both English and Spanish in the summer of 2024. Data comparisons were made to previous years when the same survey question was asked across years. Other trends across subgroups were highlighted when there were statistically significant differences.

For more information, please contact Joanne Binette at jbinette@aarp.org. For media inquiries, please contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.