Aging in place means to continue living in the community while maintaining a level of independence and avoiding residential care (Wiles et al., 2012). 

The goals of aging in place are to enhance the quality of life for older adults in their home environment, allow them to participate in valued activities, and ensure that people who plan to stay in their homes as they age make the necessary modifications to do so (AOTA, 2020). 

Only 1 in 6 homeowners have made home modifications that would allow them to be safe and comfortable in their home as they age (AOTA, 2020). 

Aging in place has been shown to increase life satisfaction and quality of life (Castillo, 2020). If done so through adaptive approaches such as acquiring compensatory strategies, modifying the environment, and facilitating social support, there can be many benefits of aging in place (Chippendale & Bear-Legman, 2010). 

Aging in place allows older adults to maintain a level of independence and autonomy (Wiles et al., 2012). There is a sense of attachment to one’s home as it has personal meaning, memories, and feelings of security (Golant, 2020). Moving to a new residential environment would lead to the need to acquire new information and adapt; this transition could be emotionally and physically difficult as new routines are established (Golant, 2020). In addition, research shows that those who age in place do so successfully when they have large social networks and are able to continue connecting with friends and family; aging in place allows these connections to remain and continue developing (Wiles et al., 2012; Chippendale & Bear-Lehman, 2010). 

When choosing to age in place, some cons must be considered. For example, it may be costly to maintain a home and execute environmental modifications (Horowitz et al., 2010). In addition, possible barriers such as stairs may create health and safety risks, and living alone in the community may lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation if there are not opportunities for building social connections (Castillo, 2020). 

Aging in place challenges the OT profession beyond typical facility-based services as it presents challenges to create models for community-based practice addressing various performance areas in a unique manner (Siebert, 2003).