Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions » Getting started
What is the average age of people living in Assisted Living?
The "average" varies, based on the source of the data. In most communities in the Northwest, the average age of Retirement Living is 80; whereas Assisted Living ranges from 84 to 88.
This number is misleading, because age is not the best measurement to define a senior population. What better defines a population is their "energy level."
Some people can appear to be 80 at 65, and other people can appear to be 70 when they are 90. We are in a time when life-expectancy is skyrocketing. With improvements in medications and therapies, we are living longer.
As we have not yet mastered the science of aging, people do tend to have more needs the older they get. A person can become frail of body, or of mind, or perhaps of both mind and body; but age has less to do with the needs of people.
Better indicators of people living in Retirement & Assisted Living is their outlook on life, their willingness to embrace change, and their interest in planning ahead. People who procrastinate aren't likely to be found living in retirement or assisted living communities - they tend, instead to require in-home care or move directly into a nursing home or long-term care community when a crisis arises.
For assistance with arranging for in-home care or for help choosing a senior housing or care community call CHOICE at 800-361-0138.
Last update: 2007-03-23 15:23
Author: Support
Revision: 1.1
