Most Americans ages 65 and older continue to live independently, with 93% residing in their own home or apartment, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Among them, 9% receive caregiving support at home. Far fewer older adults live with family members, in assisted living facilities, or in other arrangements.
Looking ahead, many seniors prefer to remain at home if they can no longer live independently. Six in ten say they would choose to stay in their home with the help of a caregiver. Smaller shares would opt for assisted living (18%), moving in with family (11%), a nursing home (1%), or another option (8%). Higher-income older adults are more likely than others to favor assisted living.
However, confidence in achieving preferred living arrangements varies. Only about a third of those hoping to age in place or move into assisted living believe those outcomes are highly likely, while older adults who want to live with family express greater optimism. Cost concerns may contribute to this uncertainty, as just 21% of adults age 65 and older report having long-term care insurance to help pay for ongoing care needs.
