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Aging in place: evolution of a research topic whose time has come
Sarinnapha Vasunilashorn1, Bernard A Steinman, Phoebe S Liebig
1Office of Population Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
Journal of Aging Research
|December 17, 2011
Summary
Research shows a significant increase in studies about aging in place over 30 years. This trend highlights growing interest in environmental, service, technology, and health factors supporting older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology of Aging
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging in place is a key goal for policymakers and service providers for older adults with chronic conditions.
- The evolution of the concept of aging in place within aging research remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in aging in place research from 1980 to 2010.
- To identify shifts in research topics related to aging in place over three decades.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of scholarly articles was conducted.
- Eleven academic gerontology journals were analyzed for manuscripts published between 1980 and 2010.
- Manuscripts containing the concept of 'aging in place' were identified and categorized.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in the number and proportion of aging-in-place manuscripts was observed from 1980-2010, with accelerated growth in the 2000s.
- During 2000-2010, environment (35%) and services (31%) were the most frequent research topics.
- Manuscripts focusing on technology and health/functioning showed a substantial increase during this period.
Conclusions:
- The concept of aging in place has gained significant traction in gerontological research over the past three decades.
- Research on aging in place has diversified, increasingly incorporating technology and health/functioning aspects.
- Future research should continue to explore the multifaceted nature of aging in place to inform policy and practice.
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