Revaluating aging in place: from traditional definitions to the continuum of care

Working with Older People,Volume 20, Issue 4, December 2016. Purpose Traditional definitions of aging in place often define aging in place specifically as the ability to remain in one ’s own home or community setting in later life. This paper seeks to reframe aging in place and show how narrowly defined aging-in-place models can be potentially negative constructs that limit options for older adults. We propose a paradigm shift, or a re-framing of, the popularized idea of aging in place. We challenge mainstream and literature-based beliefs that are deeply rooted to the idea that aging in place ideally happens in the home in which a person has lived for many years. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews common concepts and constructs associated with aging in place as well as gaps or exclusions, and U.S.-based aging-in-place policy initiatives favoring the aging-in-place model. Findings An expanded definition of aging in place embraces heterogeneity in residence types and living options. A realistic assessment of person-environment fit, matching an older per son’s capabilities to his or her environmental demands, allows for the development of additional aging-in-place options for those living across the continuum of care. Originality/value Research about aging in place tends to stress the value of one place (one’s home) over other living setting s. This limits the ability of people to age in place and curtails discussion of all the items necessary to maintain p...

Source: Working with Older People - October 20, 2016 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research