Baby Boomer Knowledge and Stigma toward Aging in Place and Residential Assistive Devices

Abstract

Aging in place (AIP) in one's existing residence is a more affordable housing alternative than long–term care and is desired by the majority of those aged 50–80. Considerable residential upgrades are required to accommodate the physical and mental effects of aging; however, U.S. housing is severely lacking in assistive devices required to respond to those needs. While research suggests that assistive device implementation can delay long–term institutionalization, baby boomer stigma and lack of knowledge may have an impact on why so few AIP upgrades have occurred. Using design thinking strategies, we explored baby boomer knowledge and stigma toward the term AIP and residential assistive devices. A secondary purpose was to expose baby boomers to an AIP checklist to determine if the checklist would influence participant knowledge and stigma. Fifteen baby boomers (n = 15) participated in the study, and less than half expressed (n = 7) familiarity with the term AIP. Participants used alternate phrases such as “avoiding the nursing home”; or “doing things to stay independent.” Most participants did not associate stigma toward the term AIP; yet, their knowledge of AIP devices was minimal until exposed to the AIP checklist. After exposure to the checklist, participants were significantly more familiar with the term AIP and significantly more likely to think standard products could be considered as AIP residential assistive devices. In this study, we also used participant created prototypes to understand the means by which baby boomers would like to gain knowledge on AIP upgrades.