Failing Health Top Reason for Move to Assisted Living

A survey published in RetirementLiving.com found failing health is by far the primary driver for relocation to assisted living communities The website polled 2,352 people aged 50 to more than 81 years, and 75 percent cited failing health as the top motivator for the move. The finding was consistent with 10 years earlier although the new survey saw a 10 percent uptick in respondents choosing that option. Generally, the data indicated that the factors that lead to older adults losing independence in some way are the ones that have the most "push." Thirty percent of respondents identified the loss of driving ability as underlying their relocation, while 22 percent cited the loss of a spouse or partner. "It's important to note that loneliness may be a strong push factor for some, with 514 respondents saying the loss of a spouse or partner would cause them to move into an assisted living community," RetirementLiving noted. Financial crisis, home disrepair, family pressure, and nutrition challenges also were listed.