What are the pros and cons of aging in place versus aging in a retirement community in 2026?
The decision between aging in place and moving to a retirement community in 2026 comes down to lifestyle, support, and long-term planning.
Aging in place allows you to remain in a familiar home and maintain complete independence, often with lower upfront costs. However, as needs change, managing home maintenance and arranging in-home care can become expensive and complicated, and social connections may require more effort to maintain.
Moving to a continuing care retirement community (or CCRC) offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, built-in social opportunities, and access to support and higher levels of care if needed—all in one setting. While there is typically an entrance fee and monthly cost, many services are bundled together, creating more predictability and peace of mind over time.
Aging in place works well for those with strong support systems and minimal care needs, while a retirement community is often a better fit for retirees who value convenience, community, and planning ahead for future care—without giving up independence today.