How Many Seniors Are Aging in Place?
A
pproximately 47 million seniors live in the United States. According to a recent survey conducted by the AARP, 87% of their respondents 65 and older and 71% of those between the ages of 50 and 64 want to stay in their homes as they age. That means there are currently nearly 40 million seniors who intend to age in place, and that number is expected to steadily increase as Baby Boomers get older.
While aging in place is the preference for the vast majority of today’s seniors, it’s not without risks, the most common of which is in-home falls. Researchers Gary Engelhard and Michael Eriksen found that 3 million Americans 65 and older are treated for falls annually, requiring 800,000 hospitalizations and resulting in 300,000 hip fractures. Although these figures may sound discouraging to say the least, if not outright alarming, the researchers did offer a relatively inexpensive fix. In-home modifications can reduce the incidence of falls by 50% for those 75 and older. In fact, the pair found that every $1 invested in home alterations returns $1.50 in reduced medical spending.
The Products You Need, the Expert Service You Deserve
If you are a homeowner in the Upper Peninsula and are planning to age in place, the company to turn to for top-of-the-line products and expert services is the Barrier Free Store. We are Northern Michigan’s one-stop-shop for home modifications that will ensure you can continue to live in the home you love for as long as possible. We offer and install a wide variety of items including:
- Wheelchair ramps and lifts
- Automatic door openers
- Stair lifts
- Hoyer lifts
- Mobility scooters
- Walk-in tubs and roll-in showers
- Drop-down cupboards and closets
Every project begins with a complimentary home assessment. One of our mobility experts will evaluate your residence and property to note any areas that may become problematic as you age. If you decide to move forward with home modifications, our expert installers will complete your project quickly and with a minimal amount of disruption to your home. And since we’re a local company based in Marquette, should any of the products we install ever need servicing, we’ll be able to respond promptly.
To learn more about our aging-in-place services, contact the Barrier Free Store today. When it comes to mobility solutions, our name says it all.
