News'Aging in Place' May Be the Wrong Answer for Some Boomers and Their ParentsBaby boomers trying to pick the best living arrangements for themselves or their parents as they age should be wary of a phrase they coined in their younger years: If it feels good, do it. Some older people become emotionally attached to their homes, Golant says, leading them to think it's the best place to live out their lives. In fact, he adds, these places may lack activities, features and amenities needed to age successfully. As a result, he said, older people increasingly find they must rely on other people to meet their everyday needs. But both family members and professionals may fall short as caregivers. The issue is becoming especially troublesome for moderate-income elders. Wealthy older people can afford the housing and services they need to live comfortable and independent lives, he said. Very low-income people often can benefit from government-funded programs and services to achieve these same goals—although, they often confront waiting lists and bureaucratic obstacles. Those in the middle, however, often find themselves outside the safety net of social, long-term care and housing programs offered by federal, state, and local governments, but cannot afford products and services offered by the private sector. Among other points Golant makes in his book:
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