Seniors Fear Nursing Homes More Than Death

Randy Walton

Contributor

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Studies show that elderly people fear moving into a nursing home and losing independence more than they fear death. Are you surprised to read this? I'm not.

A study called "Aging in Place in America" found that seniors, when asked feared losing their independence most [26%], and second moving into a nursing home [13%]. Only 3% of seniors said that death was their greatest fear.

Here are some interesting findings from the study:

89% of seniors want to age in place - or grow older without having to move from their homes - and more than half (53%) are concerned about their ability to do so.

82% of Baby Boomers fear their parents will be mistreated in a nursing home and 89% fear their parents will be sad.

Seniors living at home are determined to maintain their independence, reporting that they require - and receive - limited support from their children or other caregivers.

63% Boomers say they are providing some kind of help or support 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.

Baby Boomers have not turned to technology to assist their aging parents. Only 14% have actually looked for solutions that would help them ensure the health and safety of their parents.

The research for the study was conducted by an independent research company, polling over 800 seniors and Baby Boomers.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Nursing Home and Elder Abuse.