According to surveys by AARP and The Pew Charitable Trusts, more than 70 percent of older adults would prefer to remain in community as they age while large majorities of those 50 and older favor a roster of zoning and land-use policies that would allow more homes to be built.

AARP surveys report 73% of adults age 50 and older expressed a desire to stay in their local communities in an AARP survey. Social connections, local amenities, and access to services such as doctors are vital for older adults, but all of that can be lost with a move to a new community. Fifty-six percent of older adults that responded to the AARP survey said that it is extremely or very important that their community provide a range of housing options that can fit people’s needs as they age.

Meanwhile, a 2024 AARP survey shows that many older adults prefer to age in place although they often reside in homes that are not designed to support aging. Only 1% of homes have five key accessibility features: a zero-step entrance, single-story living, wide doorways and halls, lever-style handles, and electrical controls accessible from a wheelchair.

More data on costs and local policy solutions is highlighted in this blog post by AARP.