Why Quality of Life and Senior Living Choices Are Correlated

In last week’s post, we wrote about a recent study that emphasized the importance of social engagement in helping older adults remain happy and healthy as they age. That same research also revealed a huge majority of survey respondents said they want to live in their own home, though not all are able to. There also were several interesting findings around those who responded that they are living with an adult child and the impact that has had on their quality of life.

A look at healthy aging

The MHI 2023 Global Healthy Aging Survey collected data from over 21,000 individuals aged 55 and older across 21 countries — averaging about 1,000 participants per country — to explore their health perceptions, preferences, and activities. The survey assessed 53 factors to determine which are most significant to older adults and how these factors impact their health.

The analysis revealed that having a sense of purpose, adequate stress management, physical activity, lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and financial security are crucial for respondents’ overall views on healthy aging. Moreover, the survey highlighted that social participation positively influences perceived health with volunteering demonstrating the strongest link to healthy aging.

The common desire to remain in the home

The study also looked at respondents’ living situations as well as their preferences around housing. Their responses were perhaps unsurprising overall: 80% of survey respondents prefer to remain in their homes as they age. This includes:

41% who currently live in their own house or apartment and wish to remain there as they age.
39% who currently live outside of their own house or apartment but wish they were living independently in a place of their own. This cohort of respondents could be living in a friend’s or relative’s home, in an assisted living or memory care community, or in some other non-independent living situation.

This roughly 80% figure for older adults who say they want to remain in their home is fairly consistent across multiple surveys and studies over the years. But while a huge majority of older adults may want to remain living independently in their own home as they age, such a scenario can of course present challenges.

For instance, those who live in their own home — particularly those living alone — may face risks like a sudden medical emergency without immediate access to help. Others may not be able to safely or fully care for themselves or their home. Such situations can necessitate moving in with a loved one or a move to a senior living community where the older adult can live safely while also having any care needs met.

Assessing the ability to remain in the home

The statistics and preferences revealed by the MHI survey around older adults’ desire to remain in their homes highlight several important points.

First, for those who want to “age in place” — as it is sometimes called — proactive planning should begin early, preferably during midlife. People should take an honest look at their finances, their support system, and their current home to determine if it is possible to live there safely and happily as they grow older.

Are renovations needed, like adding a ground-floor bedroom and bath?
Do they have a loved one who would be willing and able to provide assistance or care if needed, or can they afford to pay for any needed caregiving or other support services (like home maintenance and upkeep)? This isn’t necessarily an either/or. Even with a paid caregiver, family members will more than likely need to be available to assist, potentially fill in for the hours the caregiver isn’t working, and be available for emergencies, etc.
Are there technology tools that can help keep them living independently and safely, like a remote monitoring system or a medication management device?

The senior living and care industry should also take note of these findings from the MHI survey. As our nation’s population ages, industry stakeholders must ensure not only access to care and its quality but also that available services align with older adults’ desire for independence. This may involve placing a greater emphasis on in-home services and other community-based care options.

This all comes down to healthy aging and how that translates to quality of life. And pulling that thread a bit more, there was another finding around older adults who are living with their adult children that was particularly interesting.

Quality of life impacted by living with adult children

We’ve often written about the mutual benefits of intergenerational programs. Previous research also has shown that older adults — and the younger generations — often benefit from living in intergenerational households.

The MHI study on healthy aging examined survey results for older adults who were living intergenerationally, defined by this particular study as those residing with their adult children. Among this cohort of survey respondents, those older adults with low care needs generally reported being in better or much better health compared to those not living with one of their adult children or with both a spouse and an adult child.

Interestingly, however, the benefits of intergenerational living varied across economic contexts. For instance, respondents in low- and middle-income economies reported the most significant benefits to intergenerational living, particularly regarding physical and social health. In upper-middle-income economies, only moderate benefits were observed across all four health dimensions: mental, physical, social, and spiritual.

However, when it comes to high-income economies, like the United States, older adults living in intergenerational households reported very minimal benefits in any of the four health dimensions. In fact, societal stigma around intergenerational living may even contribute to a decline in mental health among these older adults.

And this intergenerational living situation can also be detrimental to the adult child in some American families. We recently wrote about the struggles faced by the so-called “sandwich generation” as they juggle raising their own children with caring for aging parents. It can be costly to the adult child’s finances, relationships, career, and health.

A renewed focus on older adults’ quality of life

This research by MHI contributes to a significant body of evidence highlighting older adults’ beliefs and goals around healthy aging. It is important for both society and the senior living industry to pay attention to these preferences, which substantially impact older adults’ quality of life.

It is also crucial that senior adults undertake an unbiased assessment of their personal situation to determine what their senior living options might be in order to ensure their healthy aging goals are met. As this study reveals, older adults often end up in living situations that are not aligned with their preferences. This might include having to move to an assisted living community or having to move in with an adult child. This is one of the reasons why, for those who aim to age in place in their home, advanced planning is essential.

Given the trend of living far away from extended or nuclear family in the U.S., the evidence from MHI’s research also highlights a potential opportunity for the senior living industry. Developing additional intentional, age-inclusive communities — where older adults can regularly engage with younger generations — could benefit all parties.

We’ve seen some of these communities arise on or near college campuses, such as Mirabella at ASU. More retirement communities might consider creating partnerships with nearby schools, daycares, or YMCAs in order to offer their residents easy access to a variety of intergenerational programming options.

Whether living in their own home or living in a retirement community, let’s continue to consider innovative, outside-the-box senior living options that will give older adults the quality of life that they deserve!

FREE Detailed Profile Reports on CCRCs/Life Plan Communities
Search Communities