Housing Guidance for People in Their 80s

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Summary

• Prepare for the physical and mental decline that may come in your 80s.
• Plan for housing and care costs to increase with age.
• Explore health care and assistance when considering alternatives to housing

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Housing needs can change as health declines in our 80s. Many people in their 80s face chronic problems such as worsening vision, lower stamina, hearing loss, or limited mobility. Some may experience acute health issues like heart attacks or strokes. Others may develop terminal diseases such as cancer, dementia, heart disease, or Parkinson’s. Many will experience the loss of a spouse or partner.

Housing alternatives to accommodate aging include renovating to remain at home or moving to a senior housing community. Communal options include continuing care communities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and memory care units. Below are things to consider when deciding whether to age in place or move to a senior community. Also appended are links to articles, books, and other resources.

Tips

• Aging: You may need help coping with physical and mental health issues in your 80s.
• Checklists: Create a checklist or timeline for selecting where to live; prepare a task schedule for moving.
• Consultants: Use care managers and movers to find cost-saving opportunities and avoid pitfalls.
• Cost: Aging in place can require costly renovation and home care; assisted living averages $6,000 per month.
• Downsizing: Discard or donate unneeded clothing, collectibles, and furniture to de-clutter your home.
• Family: ** Recruit a devoted family member to serve as your care manager or caregiver.
• Healthcare: Check healthcare options available with assisted and independent living facilities.
• Location: Consider moving in with family members or living near them.
• Ownership: Rent before buying to explore options; use due diligence before purchasing.
• Planning: Plan now to achieve the best results and avoid stress from making last-minute decisions.
• Social: Seek communities, such as assisted living and continuing care facilities, that have social activities.
• Timing: Move by your early 80s while still healthy; sooner for those with health issues.

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Conclusion

Age-related health issues require housing that helps aging adults survive and thrive. Alternatives include making existing homes senior-friendly or moving to an assisted living or continuing care community. Consider moving to senior housing in your early 80s to ensure help with hygiene, meals, medications, mobility, socialization, and transportation. Use the resources listed below, including the inspirational movies about aging into older adult housing. Act now to enjoy a good life as you age into your 90s.

Articles

• Aging in Place, Senior Living, Dec. 5, 2025
• Assisted Living, Forbes, May 15, 2024
• Continuing Care, AARP, Jan. 27, 2022
• Housing Options, ABA, April 29, 2025
• Where do Americans Live After 85, The Washington Post, Dec. 8, 2023

Books

• Age in Place or Find a New Space, Full Circle Press, July 4, 2025
• Wise Moves: Checklist for Where to Live , ABA Book Publishing, Feb. 21, 2020
• Housing Options for Older Adults, NAAAA, Sep. 17, 2025
• Age In Place At Home: Adapting The Home Environment For All Generations, Independent, Oct. 19, 2022

Checklists

• Cost Comparison: Aging at Home vs. Senior Living Community Living (Sterling Estates)
• Downsizing Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide (Just for Seniors)
• How to Choose the Right Senior Living Facility: A Checklist ( U.S. News & World Report)
• Follow This Weekly Moving Checklist for a Smooth, Stress-Free Transition (Good Housekeeping)

Directories

• Explore Senior Living and Care Options ( Alternatives For Seniors)
• Eldercare Locator (Administration for Community Living)
• Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities of 2025 (U.S. News & World Report)

Movies

• Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ** (Seniors move to an overseas retirement community.)
• Driving Miss Daisy ** (Widow’s long-term transition from aging-in-place to nursing home)
• 5 Flights Up (Senior couple searches for replacement apartment.)

Surveys

• Community Preferences (AARP)
• Elder Care Cost (The Washington Post)
• The Silver Tsunami Finally Arrives (Senior Housing Business)
• Living Arrangements (Pew Foundation)

Webinars

• Senior Living Options, July 15, 2025 (ABA)
• Family Caregiving, Feb. 18, 2025 (ABA)
• Senior Living Communities, March 19, 2024 (ABA)

Websites

• Commission on Law and Aging (American Bar Association)
• Explore Senior Living and Care Options (Alternatives For Seniors)
• Next Avenue (Public Broadcasting System)

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Endnotes

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Author

Michael L Goldblatt

Mr. Goldblatt is an author and consultant.  He was Associate General Counsel of Tidewater Inc. until retiring after 35 years of service. Mr. Goldblatt has written numerous articles and books about marketing, management,...

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Author

Michael L Goldblatt

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