Aging Connection: February 2008 - Ohio Department of Aging

Aging Connection

February 2008

Seniors', Boomers' Perception of Long-term Care Differ

A study called "Aging in Place in America" found that one in four seniors (age 65 and older) feared losing their independence most, and one in eight feared moving into a nursing home most. Only three percent of those surveyed said that death was their greatest fear. Their baby boomer children share many of the same concerns, but see things differently when it comes to their parents' independence.

Among the study's findings:

Nearly nine out of ten seniors want to grow older without having to move from their homes, but more than half are concerned about their ability to do so.
Four out of five boomers fear their parents will be mistreated in a nursing home, and nine out of ten fear their parents will be sad.
Seniors living at home are determined to stay independent, reporting that they require and receive only limited support from their children or other caregivers.
Nearly two-thirds of boomers say they are providing some kind of help or support to their parents.
Half of seniors are open to using new technologies to enable independence, including having sensors installed in their homes to monitor their health.
Boomers have not turned to technology to assist their aging parents, however. Only 14 percent have actually looked for innovations that would help them ensure the health and safety of their parents.

The study was conducted by an independent research company, polling more than 800 seniors and boomers. The full study report is available from Clarity Research Initiatives.

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