Seniors Want to Age in Place

According to a new research study by Clarity andTrads, agrees saying ".... Independent living is a
The EAR Foundation, 26 rated moving out ofkey determinant of quality of life for seniors...
home into a nursing home as their greatest fears."Seniors cited three primary concerns that could
These two possibilities are a much higher concernjeopardize their ability to live independently:
than death, which was the greatest fear for only53 say memory problems
three percent of Seniors. And, the children of23 of Seniors view themselves as very
Seniors also fear for their parents, with particularindependent in that they receive no assistance
concern about their emotional and physicalfrom their children and seem content with that
well-being should they have to enter a nursing75 receive assistance with household maintenance,
home.For the "Aging in Place in13 with healthcare, and 1 of Seniors said they are
America" study, two groups were surveyed toopen to or would like to use new technologies
allow a comparative analysis of the attitudes ofthat enable independence. 54 of Baby Boomers
Seniors age 65 and older who are living at homeare interested in new technologies that would help
with those of Baby Boomers who have Seniorthem monitor their parents' safety and well being.
parents.Significant key findings include:51 would be open to the use of ambient
The vast majority of Seniors (89) are concernedtechnology to monitor the health and safety of
about their ability to do sotheir aging parents
A large majority (82 fear they will be sadBut, only 14% of Baby Boomers have actually
Seniors living at home are determined to maintainlooked for any technology solutions that would
their independence, but they report that theyhelp them ensure the health and safety of their
require (and receive) limited support from theirparents
children or other caregiversTrads concludes "From the iPod to the
Not only are Boomers concerned about their agingBlackberry, technology is such an everyday part
parents, almost two-thirds (63 have actuallyof Baby Boomers' lives; however they have not
looked for solutions that would help them ensureyet realized the potential benefit of technology to
the health and safety of their parents.help care for their parents. More technology
Peter Bell, president of National Aging in Placesolutions need to be developed to allow aging in
Council, says "These findings tell us that, above allplace, so that Boomers and other caregivers have
else, older Americans value their ability to livemore options when trying to help our aging
independently..." And Clarity president, CarstenAmericans.