Every October, National Aging in Place Week shines a light on a goal shared by so many older adults: the desire to stay in the comfort of home for as long as possible. Led by the National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC), this annual observance helps raise awareness of the tools, resources, and support available to help seniors live safely, independently, and comfortably where they feel most at ease.
The aspiration to age in place is shared by many. In fact, nearly 90% of adults between ages 50 and 80 report that it’s important to stay in their homes for as long as possible.1 National Aging in Place Week celebrates that goal—and the network of support that helps make it possible.
The shift toward aging in place is driven by multiple factors, including independence, familiarity, and strong community and family ties. With more Americans valuing autonomy in their later years, the support offered by friends, neighbors, and loved ones—along with familiar environments and self-directed routines—has made remaining at home a more appealing and practical choice than ever before.
Key Pillars of Aging in Place
The NAIPC was founded on the belief that while many older adults want to remain at home, they may not be aware of the wide range of professional and community-based services available to help them do so. Whether you are actively preparing for the future, already have a solid plan in place, or are just starting to think about it, taking time to identify any gaps in your knowledge can help better prepare yourself for the long haul.
Let’s take a look at a few important ways you can help ensure you continue to age on your terms:
1. Prepare Your Home for the Future
The home you love today might require a few adjustments to be able to meet your needs down the line. From simple changes—like installing grab bars, implementing smart technology, or improving lighting—to larger modifications like upgrading your kitchen, you can make your space much safer and more comfortable for the long haul. For those with changing mobility needs, larger modifications like creating a first-floor bedroom or widening hallways might also be necessary.
If you’re finding that your current home may not easily adapt to suit your future needs, you’re not alone. Among older adults who had moved in the past five years, 52% moved to a home that was easier to navigate.1 Thankfully, if you are facing these frustrations, you don’t have to settle for less independence—beyond traditional mortgages, there are powerful home financing solutions designed with seniors in mind.
2. Prioritize Your Health and Wellness
Aging in place works best when you make your health and wellness a priority. That means staying active with regular exercise, fueling your body with nourishing food, and taking advantage of modern options like telehealth and virtual care to make medical appointments more accessible—and even reduce costs!
It also means preparing for the unexpected. Long-term care insurance, hybrid policies, or supplemental coverage can help protect your savings in case of larger medical expenses or the onset of a chronic illness. By planning ahead, you’re better positioned to enjoy peace of mind and stability in your retirement years.
3. Nourish Your Social Relationships
Staying connected is essential for your well-being. While aging in place allows you to remain near the people who matter most, it’s important to ensure it doesn’t lead to isolation. In a 2025 Alignment Health survey, 64% of seniors cited aging in place as their primary social risk.2 Meaningful social interaction helps keep you active, engaged, and mentally sharp—making your connections with others a key part of aging comfortably at home.
Fortunately, there are many ways to stay socially engaged: participate in local community programs, reach out to neighbors, explore shared hobbies among friends, or use technology to connect in innovative ways. If mobility is limited, don’t hesitate to ask for help with transportation from friends, family, or a caregiver to help you stay actively involved with your circle. After all, mobility isn’t just about getting around—it’s about preserving your independence and the community ties that enrich your life.
4. Build Your Network
Aging in place isn’t just about health and home—it’s also about the people who help make it possible. Your network might include at-home caregivers, physicians, elder law attorneys, financial planners, and even home remodelers. Each brings unique expertise and support, forming a safety net that helps you navigate challenges as they arise.
Building this team early makes it easier to address needs before they become urgent. When you know where to turn for trusted advice, whether for a medical decision or a financial strategy, you can feel more confident and supported on your journey.
5. Prepare Your Finances
Planning for the financial side of aging is important for everyone, but it becomes especially crucial if you want to age in place. Expenses can add up quickly—from home modifications to healthcare costs to caregiving support. While budgeting and investments help, many homeowners may need additional access to funds to comfortably cover these needs.
If you are among the many older homeowners with limited savings or living on a fixed budget, your home equity could provide the financial flexibility to help you thrive. Of course, it is important that you find a solution that addresses your unique needs and fits into your long-term financial plan.
Built for homeowners 62 and over, a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM), more commonly known as a reverse mortgage, allows you to tap into your home equity while continuing to live in your home without having to make monthly mortgage payments (as long as you meet loan obligations, keeping current with property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance.) With multiple distribution methods to choose from, you can utilize your loan proceeds in a way that works best for you.
And if you are younger or own a high-value home or condo, Longbridge’s suite of Platinum reverse mortgage products might be a better fit. Platinum is available to homeowners as young as 553 and offers greater access to equity, lower costs, and more flexible features than HECMs. You can choose to maximize your cash, preserve some equity for your heirs, or keep a line of credit4 open as a safety net for tomorrow.
Another senior-oriented financial solution is HELOC For Seniors®. With this unique home equity line of credit (HELOC) built specifically for homeowners 62 and over, you can access funds through a flexible line of credit that offers reduced, interest-only payments for the life of the loan5 and features designed specifically with older homeowners in mind.
Each of these options provide financial flexibility, giving you the freedom to fund your home modifications, support your health, finance your hobbies, and ultimately help you stay at home5 with confidence. Connecting with a reputable lender with a team of experienced mortgage professionals is the key to determining which financial solution is right for you.
If you or a loved one are exploring ways to stay at home comfortably, the Longbridge team is here to help! Contact us today to learn how we can help you unlock The Power of Home® and make your dream of aging in place a reality.
At Longbridge Financial, we’re proud to be the only lender that is a member of the NAIPC. Together, we recognize the vital role that seniors, families, and professionals play in shaping what it means to age in place.