Introduction: Aging in Place

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the psychology of aging in place, noting that the meaning of place will vary among individuals and couples. It examines the problems of home maintenance and modification. The book focuses on a survey of 300 home repair programs and how they operate to help older persons with their homes. It also discusses the important issue of autonomy within the context of the family. The book presents a model of universal design, Hartford House, which offers many innovative features aimed at enhancing the quality of an older person’s life. It describes the unique aspects of rural aging, particularly the outflow of resources and people. The book argues for rural equity, noting that just as mail is delivered in rural areas at a higher cost than in the city, so should other services available in the city be provided to rural elders.