Survey: Aging Americans worry about how to live independently

May 1, 2000
Web posted at: 7:59 p.m. EDT (2359 GMT)

In this story: 'Real concerns' for baby boomers Needing help RELATED STORIES, SITES

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Most aging Americans would like to remain in their own homes, but worry they won't be able to make the necessary modifications, a survey indicates.

The American Association of Retired Persons found in a survey of peopled aged 45 and older that 82 percent want to stay in their existing homes for as long as possible rather than move to a smaller home or retirement community.

RESOURCES CNN.com: Aging     SURVEY Fixing to Stay: A National Survey on Housing and Home Modification Issues

But nearly 25 percent predict either they or another resident will have trouble moving around their homes within the next five years.

And although 85 percent of those surveyed say they've already made simple changes to make their homes easier to use, 37 percent said they had not done so because they could not do it themselves and could not afford to pay someone else to do it.

Possible home improvements range from the simple application of non-skid strips in bathtubs to major changes such as adding ground floor rooms to eliminate the need to negotiate potentially dangerous stairs.

"These are real concerns to a growing number of Americans," said AARP Board Member Doug Holbrook. "More and more baby boomers are having to address the difficulties facing their elderly parents ... and may be wondering how well their own homes will meet their needs as they themselves grow older."

AARP's survey estimates 1.7 million people by year's end will suffer injuries resulting from falls in the home, with an expected cost exceeding $17 billion.

The survey was released as part of "Independent Living Week," AARP's annual program aimed at helping homeowners afford to continue living in their homes by teaching them to make safety improvements themselves.

Of those surveyed, 31 percent said they were "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned" about eventually being forced to move to a nursing home when they begin having trouble getting around their own home.

In fact, the poll said 82 percent of respondents would prefer not to move from their homes even if they needed help caring for themselves. Only 9 percent said they would prefer moving to a provided care facility such as a nursing or retirement home if they required help caring for themselves.

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