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What Does It Really Mean to Age in Place?
In our first post, we introduced the idea that as we grow older, the homes that once served us well may no longer support our evolving needs. Whether you’re a senior exploring downsizing, considering a move to a senior living community, or an adult child helping a parent plan for the future, the decisions ahead can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to be.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What does it actually mean to age in place?”
Rethinking Aging in Place
Traditionally, aging in place has been defined as staying in your current home for as long as possible. While that may sound comforting, it can sometimes lead to unintended consequences—like social isolation, home safety risks, or financial strain—especially if the home no longer fits your lifestyle or care needs.
At Forevermore Homes, we take a more empowering approach. As Seniors Real Estate Specialists® (SRES®) and Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), we’ve helped many older adults and their families reframe this concept in a way that prioritizes quality of life over location.
We define aging in place as:
“Living safely and comfortably in the home of my choice while maintaining the best possible QUALITY OF LIFE and experiencing a sense of physical, financial, and emotional well-being.”
This definition opens the door to more options—whether that means modifying your current home, downsizing to a more manageable space, or moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or assisted living community that better supports your needs.
What Does Quality of Life Look Like?
To make confident decisions about where and how to live, it’s essential to define what quality of life means to you. Here are some of the most common goals we hear from seniors and their families:
- Preventing falls and accidents
- Managing health and wellness
- Maintaining good nutrition
- Receiving help with daily activities when needed
- Staying as independent as possible
- Remaining socially connected
- Ensuring financial security
- Having access to reliable transportation
Your Vision, Your Values
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your priorities, preferences, and values should guide every decision you make about where and how to live as you age. Whether you’re considering aging in place, downsizing to a condo, or exploring senior housing options, the first step is defining what matters most to you.
Later in this series, we’ll share tools and worksheets to help you clarify your personal vision. This will serve as the foundation for your housing and care decisions—ensuring they reflect your goals, not just your circumstances.
Coming Up Next: The Obstacles to Aging in Place
In our next post, we’ll explore the common challenges that can make aging in place difficult—from home safety concerns to social isolation and financial limitations. Understanding these obstacles is the first step toward creating a plan that works.
About Forevermore Homes
At Forevermore Homes, we specialize in helping older adults and their families make informed, empowered decisions about housing and care. As Seniors Real Estate Specialists® (SRES®) and Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS), we understand the emotional, physical, and financial complexities of planning for the future.
Whether you’re considering modifying your current home, downsizing, or exploring senior living communities, our team is here to guide you with compassion, clarity, and expertise—every step of the way.
