Aging in Place: Home Modifications Among Rural and Urban Elderly

Abstract

The vast majority of older people say they want to age in place in their current homes and communities. However, as individuals age they are increasingly at risk economically, physically, and mentally. Despite these changes, there appears to be both a resistance to moving and a reluctance to modify the home to successfully age in place. This study examined housing resources and community supports available to a sample of rural and urban younger old (65-79 years) and very old (80+ years) individuals to age in place. The research question addressed was: What mix of sociopsychological, demographic, and physical characteristics predicts adoption of home modifications? Based on the results of a survey conducted in 2002, it was found that both rural and urban respondents wanted to live independently and age in place. Respondents had very few limitations—they had good health and stamina. Very old rural respondents, however, were found to have greater limitations in Activities of Daily Living and in their abilities to perform home repairs and maintenance without assistance. Few respondents had planned for future housing needs or made home modifications necessary to age in place. However, older respondents were more likely to have made home modifications than their younger counterparts. A surprising finding was that those who scored higher on the Geriatric Depression Scale were less likely but those that considered themselves to be coping well were more likely to have made home modifications.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christine C. Cook

Christine C. Cook is Associate Professor, Mary H. Yearns is Professor and Extension Housing Specialist, and Peter Martin is Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies,Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

Mary H. Yearns

Christine C. Cook is Associate Professor, Mary H. Yearns is Professor and Extension Housing Specialist, and Peter Martin is Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies,Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

Peter Martin

Christine C. Cook is Associate Professor, Mary H. Yearns is Professor and Extension Housing Specialist, and Peter Martin is Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies,Iowa State University, Ames, IA.