Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Aging-in-place is a concept that supports the choice of older adults to remain living in their preferred environment for as long as possible even if circumstances change. Physical environment, social and psychological support, and community resources affect aging-in-place. The concept is starting to gain attention and services and support to assist older adults to age-in-place continue to grow. Typically, a high percentage of a city’s seniors (65 and older) own and live in their own homes. Approximately four out of five have paid off the mortgage. These older seniors may be reaching the point of having to decide whether to move into a care facility or stay in their homes. It can be assumed that most would prefer to do the latter, and research shows that may be the least costly alternative. However, elderly seniors may not be able to live independently in their own homes and remain healthy without considerable help. The speaker will highlight two residences that are designed to be barrier free for aging-in-p