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Despite misconceptions about independent living, many seniors choose to live independently or opt for senior care facilities. The best age to move into independent living is between 55 to 65 years.
Seniors who don’t have serious health conditions or need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) can move to independent living settings for a better quality of life.
In the United States, independent living communities have seen a growth rate of 1.2% from 2022 to 2023, and are expected to grow even more given the increasing elderly population.
Key Insights
The best age to move into independent living is between 55 and 65 years, depending on health factors and personal care needs.
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Independent living residents report better physical and mental well-being, with improved healthcare access and increased longevity compared to those living alone.
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The average monthly cost of independent living is around $3,065 per month, as of December 2024.
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In the U.S. most older adults move to assisted living communities at the age of 70 to 85 years or older.
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You can afford independent living through retirement savings, long-term care insurance benefits, government-funded programs, or sharing rooms with a senior.
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What Is Independent Living?
As the name suggests, independent living (IL) refers to older adults living in private accommodations, such as apartments, houses, or townhomes, within a senior community where they can participate in organized activities and programs.
Independent-living adults usually do not require regular personal care assistance, but they may occasionally hire caregivers to cover one or two ADLs such as laundry, washing dishes, etc. if needed.
With the rising inflation costs, some seniors may also live in shared spaces or roommate-style arrangements in a community depending on their preferences and budget.
What Is the Best Age to Move to Independent Living?
Most seniors move to independent living between 55 and 65 years. Older adults who don’t need help with ADLs, can afford basic necessities, and prefer living alone should opt for independent living as soon as possible.
Although independent living declined during the pandemic years, recent research shows that occupancy rates in senior living communities among older adults may surpass pre-pandemic levels.
According to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, there was an 85.1% increase in independent living occupancy rates across all U.S. states as of September 2024.
When Is the Best Time to Move to Independent Living?
Although moving to independent living depends on the senior’s willingness, the best time to move is when older adults can independently perform their tasks, want to expand their social connections and enjoy a quality of life away from any stressors.
Seniors who move out usually live in retirement communities that offer housing facilities like home maintenance, fitness centers, 24/7 security, community meetups, lounge spaces, and more.
Types of Senior Living Communities
Here are some major types of senior living communities with the level of care they provide to residents.
| Type of Community | Description |
| Independent Living (IL) | For active, self-sufficient seniors seeking a maintenance-free lifestyle with optional amenities and community activities. |
| 55+ Communities | Age-restricted neighborhoods for independent adults, often with recreational facilities and social opportunities. |
| Assisted Living (AL) | Offers housing and help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management. |
| Memory Care | Specialized care for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s in a secure, supportive environment. |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) | Combines IL, AL, and skilled nursing care, Supports independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing to meet each senior’s level of care over time. |
| Senior Co-Housing | A collaborative housing option where seniors live in private units but share common spaces and resources. |
Benefits of Independent Living for Seniors
Many seniors who live independently report high satisfaction with their quality of life. They find peace of mind and develop a robust social life with like-minded people.
Seniors living in independent communities often experience better mental health outcomes compared to those living in isolation. Social interactions and community activities help reduce the risks of cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.
Older adults have more healthcare access, better nutritional diets, fitness and wellness programs, and more. They also enjoy maintenance-free homes, since the housing facilities take care of cleaning and repairs.
Research shows senior housing (SH), including independent living facilities, has a low mortality rate of 20.1%, compared to 22.4% for their peers living outside these communities.
- SH residents receive 40% more home health visits and preventative care than their community-dwelling peers
- Residents in the top 25% of SH communities live an average of 642.3 days longer than those who live in homes or low-cost communities.
Average Independent Living Cost for Older Adults
The average cost of independent living for older adults is directly proportional to inflation rates in the U.S. As of December 2024, independent living facilities can cost around $3,065 per month, But this can vary by state and state of living.
When compared to assisted living, independent living is cheaper and a better option for seniors who don’t need assistance in daily life.
Senior Independent Living Trends
Here are some important statistics on independent living demand in the U.S.:
- Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Austin are seeing senior population growth due to affordability and healthcare access.
- Seniors moving from Florida to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia are driving demand for independent living in cities like Charlotte and Nashville.
- Las Vegas and Tampa show strong senior population increases, offering retirement-friendly living options.
Based on the recent growing trends in senior housing, the NIC Board of Directors said, “I also see an increased need for us to start making real progress as an industry toward serving the Baby Boomers and am hopeful the economic dynamics will align to allow it to happen. Overall, I see the senior housing industry continuing its occupancy growth in 2025.”
At What Age Do Most People Go Into Assisted Living?
Most people aged 70 to 85 or older move to assisted living communities. Seniors who need help with 2 or more ADLs such as toileting, bathing, walking, etc. prefer living in an assisted living facility.
Assisted living gives seniors some amount of independence and assistance with basic chores.
See more assisted living statistics.
Is Independent Living Right For You?
Independent living is a great way for the well-being of seniors but is it suitable for everyone?
Moving to IL communities means you should consider the following factors:
- Cost of Living: With high inflation rates and rent, IL communities can be costly for low-income seniors. Make sure to rent in a community you can afford with your retirement savings or coverage programs.
- Level of Care: If you think you can live without needing basic assistance like bathing, toileting, or walking, then IL communities are best for you.
- Maintenance-Free Living: If you’re tired of repairs and cleaning, IL takes away responsibilities for home maintenance, yard work, or repairs so you can focus on leisure and personal interests.
- Convenience and Accessibility: SH communities like assisted living facilities have senior-friendly floorplans like grab bars, walking trails, single-floor layout, etc. so you’re less likely to face injuries or accidents.
5 Tips to Afford Independent Living for Seniors
There are many ways to afford independent senior living. When planning your move, you need to consider essential costs such as rent, upfront fees, personal care expenses, medical care charges, and other monthly fees. Here are 5 ways to afford independent living:
1. Retirement Savings
Independent living can be costly but if you have enough personal retirement savings, you can manage your expenses easily. It’s better to plan beforehand, so set up your retirement savings account separately while you’re working.
2. Insurance Plans
Many long-term care insurance plans for seniors provide support for personal care and medical care costs. The monthly premium can range between $250-$1,000, depending on the chosen plan. You can also use benefits from your life insurance policy, provided you qualify for a death benefit of at least $100,000.
3. Explore Creative Housing Options
Co-housing communities such as Section 202 are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for low-income seniors with disabilities or those who live independently.
Another option is to share rooms with another senior, which splits your bill into half of what you would normally pay to any facility.
4. Medicaid
Although this government-funded program doesn’t give full coverage, it’s still a great option for low-income seniors to afford assisted living with long-term nursing home care coverage. Although each state has its own eligibility and policies, you can check the official website: Medicaid.gov for more information.
5. Social Security Benefits
You can use Social Security benefits to help cover Independent Living expenses. Workers contribute to Social Security during their careers and, upon reaching retirement age of 65 or older, receive monthly payments. These benefits are adjusted annually for inflation to help cover basic living costs.
You can also apply for veteran benefits via VA Aid & Attendance to cover your independent living costs. The pension amount can vary based on your income and the care options you opt for.
Bottom Line
The average age to move to independent living is between 55 to 65 years, depending on factors like willingness to live independently, level of care needed, affordability, and health conditions. Senior housing communities have seen a steady increase, with an 87.9% occupancy rate in independent living as of 2024.
According to Statista, more than half of all senior housing units in the United States owned by not-for-profit organizations are independent living units. In comparison, 21.8% of the units were designated for assisted care, while 28% were nursing care beds as of 2023. As the senior population in the U.S. increases, the demand for independent living will also increase.
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Sources
- Senior Housing Occupancy Increases for 13th Consecutive Quarter in Third Quarter 2024. NIC MAP Vision. Published October 24, 2024. Evaluated December 27, 2024.
Link Here - NIC Board: Looking Ahead to 2025. NIC.org. Evaluated December 27, 2024.
Link Here - Top Metros for Senior Growth. NIC MAP Vision. Published August 21, 2024. Evaluated December 27, 2024.
Link Here - Independent Living Costs in 2024. SeniorLiving.org. Evaluated December 27, 2024.
Link Here - Assessing the Health and Well-Being of Senior Housing and Care Residents: Longevity. NIC.org. Published March 5, 2024. Evaluated December 27, 2024.
Link Here - When Is the Best Time to Move Into Independent Living? WesleyLife.org. Published June 28, 2023. Evaluated December 27, 2024.
Link Here - Senior-Living Industry Statistics. SeniorLiving.org. Evaluated December 27, 2024.
Link Here - Distribution of senior housing units in the United States from 2000 to 2023, by unit type. Statista. Evaluated December 27, 2024
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