My Survey Results Are In: “Should I Stay or Should I Move?”

For many years, I have tried to keep my finger on the pulse of the people I serve—older adults, baby boomers, and their families. Recently, I sent a survey to homeowners between the ages of 70 and 88. Every respondent currently owns a home, and most are quietly considering whether a move to a senior apartment or community might make sense someday.

What makes this age group so unique is not just their life experience, but their mindset. This is a generation that is fiercely private, deeply independent, and often selfless. Many grew up believing you don’t complain, you don’t burden others, and you certainly don’t talk openly about fear or uncertainty. Yet those emotions are there, just beneath the surface.

This survey wasn’t about square footage or floor plans. It was about feelings. It was about the “why” behind decisions—and indecision. Whether you are a senior thinking about your own future, or an adult child wanting the best quality of life for a parent, these answers offer important insight.

What Seniors Shared—In Their Own Way

1. What would most hold you back from a move you believe might be beneficial?
The number one answer was clear: “Downsizing feels too overwhelming.”
The second most common response was equally telling: “I can afford it, but I don’t want to spend the money.”

This speaks volumes. The obstacle is rarely the move itself—it’s the emotional and physical weight of sorting through a lifetime of memories.

2. What would need to change for you to feel ready to move?
Nearly 70% said a health setback. The second most common answer: “I can’t keep up with my home anymore.”

This is perhaps the most concerning finding. Many seniors are waiting for something to go wrong before making a proactive decision.

3. Are people you know happy after moving to a senior community?
An overwhelming majority said yes. Only 5% reported knowing someone who was unhappy with their decision.

This answer alone challenges so many of the fears surrounding senior living.

4. How far away would you consider moving?
Almost half said within 2–5 miles of their current home. Another 28% said distance was not an issue.

Staying close to familiar places still matters—but it’s not always a dealbreaker.

5. Which services or amenities matter most?
Two answers tied at the top, each around 35%: social activities and parking.
Far behind—under 10%—were medical services, meals, and laundry.

This reinforces a powerful truth: seniors are not looking to give up independence—they are looking to enhance life.

6. Does the age of the building matter?
52% preferred a newer building, while 47% said the age didn’t matter.

Comfort and livability matter more than shiny and new.

7. When do you anticipate a move?
Almost 80% answered: “More than a year from now.”

Planning is happening—but quietly, and often without a timeline.

8. Do you consider yourself independent?
Nearly half said they are independent but slowing down. Many shared they are already dealing with health challenges.

This honesty is important—and courageous.

What Can We Learn From This?

The issue of downsizing is not just a senior issue—it’s a family issue. And thankfully, it does not have to be faced alone. Professional downsizing and transition services exist specifically to help older adults sort, organize, preserve memories, and move forward with dignity.

I’ve seen families try to do this on their own, taking three to five years, often exhausting everyone involved. I’ve also seen professionals complete the process in less than a week—with far less stress and far more compassion.

Avoiding the process doesn’t make it go away. It only makes it heavier later.

Another key takeaway is the reliance on a future health setback as the trigger to move. This is where I see the most painful outcomes. Crisis-driven moves often happen when a senior is in rehab and may never return home. Decisions are rushed. Emotions run high. Homes must be sold quickly to pay for care. Control is lost.

These are the hardest transitions—and in many cases, they could have been avoided.

I always encourage seniors and families to look a few years ahead and be realistic about age, health, and lifestyle. Planning is not giving up. Planning is protecting your choices.

One Answer That Says It All

When respondents were asked about others they knew who had already made the move, most said simply:
“They were happy they did.”

That tells us something powerful. Deep down, many seniors already know a move could improve their quality of life. But fear of the unknown often outweighs logic, comfort, and even safety.

Change is hard. We all resist it. But waiting for crisis rarely leads to better outcomes.

My hope is that these survey results help you—or someone you love—begin an honest, gentle conversation about the future. Ask not just “Can I stay?” but “How do I want to live?”

If you place quality of life at the top of the decision-making process, clarity often follows.

And if you’d like help thinking through these questions—without pressure, without urgency—sometimes a simple conversation is the best place to begin.