The vast majority of older adults in the United States – fully 60% – express a strong preference for receiving care in their own homes should their needs increase with age, according to recent research. This desire to age in place underscores a growing trend toward maintaining independence and familiarity, even as health challenges arise. However, this preference is often tempered by financial concerns and uncertainty about the practicalities of long-term care, highlighting a critical need for improved planning and support systems for an aging population.
The findings, released in late February 2026 by Pew Research Center, reveal a significant gap between aspiration and expectation. While the overwhelming majority favor remaining at home, only a small fraction – 18% – would opt for assisted living communities. A mere 1% indicated a preference for nursing home care, demonstrating a clear aversion to institutional settings. This preference for home-based care isn’t simply about comfort; it’s deeply rooted in a desire to maintain control over one’s life and surroundings, and to remain connected to established social networks and community ties.
The study, which analyzed responses from 2,582 adults aged 65 and older, also revealed a correlation between income and preferences for assisted living. More than a quarter (28%) of older adults in the upper-income bracket expressed a willingness to consider assisted living, compared to just 19% of those with middle incomes and 13% of those with lower incomes. This suggests that financial resources play a significant role in the ability to access and afford alternative care options, and that the cost of in-home care may be a prohibitive factor for many.
The Rising Cost of Aging in Place
The financial realities of long-term care are becoming increasingly daunting. A recent report from Genworth Financial’s CareScout subsidiary quantified these costs, revealing a 3% year-over-year increase in non-medical home care expenses. According to the report, the median hourly rate for non-medical home care now stands at $35, translating to an annual cost of $80,080 for someone requiring 44 hours of care per week. Assisted living facilities, while often perceived as less expensive, are also experiencing rising costs, with the median annual rate now around $74,400 – a 5% increase. These escalating costs are a major source of anxiety for older adults and their families, and underscore the need for proactive financial planning.
The financial burden is further complicated by the relatively low rate of long-term care insurance coverage. The Pew Research Center study found that less than one-quarter (21%) of adults aged 65 and older have long-term care insurance to help offset these expenses. This leaves a significant portion of the population vulnerable to substantial out-of-pocket costs, potentially depleting savings and assets. The lack of widespread insurance coverage highlights a systemic gap in addressing the financial challenges of aging, and calls for innovative solutions to make long-term care more affordable and accessible.
Uncertainty and the Desire for Control
Despite the clear preference for aging in place, the Pew Research Center study also revealed a degree of uncertainty among respondents. Among those who expressed a preference for assisted living, less than half (48%) were “somewhat” sure that such a move would actually occur, while only 35% believed it was “highly likely.” A significant 16% considered a move to assisted living “not likely.” This hesitancy suggests that older adults are grappling with a range of factors, including financial constraints, emotional attachments to their homes, and concerns about losing their independence.
This uncertainty is not surprising, given the complexities of long-term care planning. Many older adults have not engaged in formal estate planning or discussed their end-of-life preferences with family members. Research from Pew Research Center indicates that proactive discussions about these issues are often delayed or avoided altogether, leaving individuals and families unprepared for the challenges ahead. Addressing this gap requires promoting greater awareness of the importance of advance care planning and providing resources to facilitate these conversations.
The Impact of Living Arrangements on Well-being
The choice of living arrangement has a profound impact on the overall well-being of older adults. While aging in place offers the benefits of familiarity, independence, and social connection, it can also present challenges related to safety, accessibility, and social isolation. Maintaining a home can become physically and financially demanding, and the lack of readily available support can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and vulnerability. Conversely, assisted living communities offer a range of services and amenities, as well as opportunities for social interaction, but they can also involve a loss of privacy and control.
Interestingly, the trend towards aging in place is occurring even as the share of older U.S. Adults living alone is decreasing. Pew Research Center data shows a smaller share of older adults live alone today than in 1990. This suggests that more older adults are benefiting from the support of family members or cohabitating partners, which can facilitate aging in place. However, it’s significant to note that this trend may not be universal, and that many older adults still lack adequate social support.
Navigating the Future of Senior Care
As the population continues to age, the demand for long-term care services will only increase. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening financial support systems, promoting advance care planning, and expanding access to affordable and high-quality care options. Innovative models of care, such as home-sharing arrangements and village-to-village networks, are also emerging as potential solutions to help older adults maintain their independence and remain connected to their communities. Investing in technologies that support aging in place, such as telehealth and remote monitoring systems, can play a crucial role in enhancing safety and well-being.
The desire to age in place is a powerful one, reflecting a fundamental human need for autonomy and connection. By addressing the financial, logistical, and emotional challenges associated with long-term care, we can empower older adults to live fulfilling and meaningful lives in the settings of their choice. The conversation about aging must shift from one of burden to one of opportunity, recognizing the valuable contributions that older adults continue to make to society.
The next key development to watch will be the release of updated long-term care cost projections by Genworth in late 2026, which will provide a more comprehensive picture of the financial landscape for seniors and their families. We encourage readers to share their own experiences and perspectives on aging in place in the comments below.