Aging in place - or - aging in the right place
In a previous blog post, I explored the various options of seniors housing and looked at factors that influence the choice to move. Aging, Healthcare and Housing: Can You Find Your Forever Home?
Note: if the terminology related to seniors housing is unfamiliar, you might want to read that post first.
In this post, I explore whether it is reasonable to find your “forever home.” Will your needs/wants be the same at 65 as they will be at 75? 80? 85?
To explore this further, I asked members of the CALL Study Group on Housing for Seniors to share their thoughts and information.
Being Informed About Seniors Housing Options
Fortunately for today's seniors there are many more choices about where to live: from condo apartments to age-restricted buildings to assisted living and supportive housing.
There are great resources to find out more about these options.
The Service & Housing Directory written by UNISON at Kerby Centre provides a thorough source of information. The content is available both in print or online. It begins with definitions of the various housing options and then lists them by type of accommodation and services available.
Another excellent resource from Age Friendly Calgary provides a Housing Options Navigation Tool.
Another way of becoming informed was provided by a CALL Study Group.
The CALL Study Group Housing for Seniors met for several sessions from January to April 2026. Typical of a peer-led learning Study Group, the members identified areas of interest, divided the topics, conducted research, and then presented their findings to the group.
This group want to share their learnings with others and have provided their handouts which are included in this post. (See Resources)
Some members said this about being in the Study Group: (they are identified by initials at their request).
"Being in the group was an excellent experience and the amount of information we were exposed to was very helpful. Now I know where to start." J.K.
"Housing for Seniors was a great group. The presentations made by group members were excellent. I’ve come away with motivation to get started downsizing and check out options for where next as we’re still in the family home where we’ve lived for 50 years – so much stuff. I’m also thinking more about getting help with the tasks, either from friends or from someone I could hire." C.G.
Aging in Place
The reality is that people are living longer but not necessarily living well. According to Statistics Canada, in 2023, Canadians had an estimated number of healthy years of 66.9. Life expectancy for women was 84 years, compared with 79.6 years for men, with women experiencing 67.7 years in good health and men experiencing 66.4 years. This is a decline of nearly two years from 2019 and 2020, despite the fact that life expectancy is increasing. While we’re living longer, a growing number of those years will be spent with health limitations.
Aging in place—remaining in one’s own home and community as one grows older—is a deeply appealing option for many seniors. In this context, ’home’ might be a single-family dwelling, or an apartment or condo. The comfort of familiar surroundings, maintaining independence, and preserving community ties are powerful advantages.
Although 90% of Canadians report their desire to stay in their homes, only 50% have made their homes 'age-friendly'. CARP
“One of the major challenges with the desire to stay put is that we end up with 'old' people living in 'old' houses. Homes may not be designed for aging bodies, requiring costly renovations for safety and accessibility." Maureen Osis
Learn more about the costs of aging in place.
Aging in Place Cost Considerations
(Handout prepared by a member of the CALL Study Group Housing for Seniors.)
Aging in Place: Government & Private Sources of Funding
(Handout prepared by a member of the CALL Study Group Housing for Seniors.)
I Can't Afford to Move -- or Can I?
Many seniors are surprised or dismayed when they tour a senior living facility and discover the costs. They may think that they cannot afford to move. Comparing the total costs of remaining in your home with living in a seniors' facility can be a useful exercise.
Can you calculate what you have and what you will need? This depends not only on your lifespan but on your healthspan. There are many definitions of the term 'healthspan'. I am using it to refer to the number of years a person lives in good health, free from major chronic diseases or disabilities; focus on overall wellness and quality of life as one ages.
(See previous information from Statistics Canada on the number of years that men and women live, with the number of healthy years.)
Read more about analyzing your financial position. These handouts were written by members of the CALL Study Group Housing for Seniors.
Financial Decision Making Tools
The author advises: "Prior to deciding on your senior housing preference, it is wise to go through the exercise of analyzing your financial position."
Comparison of Accommodation Costs
In this handout, the author compared personal monthly living expenses in a house, condo, subsidized housing, and a private independent, supportive and assisted living facility. The total costs for each option might surprise you.
Decluttering and Downsizing
Decluttering is the activity of removing things you do not need from a place in order to make it more pleasant. Decluttering can be a useful step for aging in place.
Decluttering involves deciding what items are essential and letting go of those that are no longer useful or meaningful.
It's not just because you are moving. Doing this can simplify your life, remove some safety issues (with clutter) and actually improve your mental health.
Downsizing refers to the process of moving to a smaller home or living space. It may be based on reducing costs or to simplify life. It may be necessitated by moving into a senior living facility.
When decluttering or downsizing, here are some principles to follow:
- Don’t think that your kids will want your stuff.
- Don’t believe that you have to do this alone.
"There are many companies in Calgary in the business of helping seniors with all the aspects of downsizing: getting organized, disposing and selling of downsized items, packing, making the transition to a new home, and whatever else is needed."
Member, CALL Study Group Housing for Seniors
Members of the CALL study group wrote four handouts on various aspects of downsizing.
Downsizing: Getting Started
Downsizing Tips and Suggestions
Downsizing: Where to Donate or Sell
Downsizing: Special Focus Items
Alternative Living Arrangement - Creative Solutions
Seniors are a diverse group of individuals and need diverse housing options. Have you considered all the alternative types of housing, such as condos or a mobile home park, as well as the traditional senior living facilities?
You can read about many examples in Canada in this article from Senior Care Access.
Innovative Seniors Housing Options in Canada - 2025 Update
Members of the study group explored alternative housing.
Alternative Housing for Seniors in Calgary
The writer visited several seniors housing options and described what each has to offer.
Another member of the study group explored alternatives such as "Co-Housing" and "Home-sharing."
Seniors and University Students Living Together
Note: Calgary pilot project will see seniors, students living in same building. CityNews, May 21, 2024. Silvera for Seniors Westview Town Suites
Read Shannon Penner's story, January 6, 2025
Creating an Individual Solution: Aging in the RIGHT Place
The following vignette describes one senior’s experience.
It is based on my (author) experience as a consultant to senior housing developers.
“Seniors Housing is not for me: It's a Lazy Living”
He lived on an acreage with his wife of 52 years. When she passed away, his two daughters were very concerned about his potential isolation and safety. Also- in the words of his eldest - "Dad knows that there is a room called a kitchen in the house and that sums it up." He did laugh and totally agreed with her. At first, he wanted to stay in his home and hire help. His daughters convinced him to tour some senior living facilities. While they 'oohed' at all the amenities and the thought of meals being prepared for him, he assessed the daily lifestyle and decided it would not provide enough activity. This level of activity would not create enough demand on him for daily living. He was accustomed to being very active; to having many obligations around the acreage and gardening on his property.
In short, he said: "It's a lazy living."
His solution: he found a large condo apartment with a spacious patio where he could have raised flower beds and vegetable gardens. It was near the walking path along the Bow river. He discovered a hiking club for people over 50. And the major surprise - for his daughters - was that he enrolled in some cooking classes. He said: "This should convince my daughters that I am adapting to my new life."
Loneliness? He had a plan to avoid that too. His nephew wanted to come to Calgary to attend University. They had always got along very well. He offered him a room in exchange for some assistance with household chores.
He told me this arrangement made him feel useful. He knew that he may have to move to more supportive housing in the future and he was glad that he knew more about these options. He was also confident that this move allowed him to meet his current needs and to transition – in steps – during his aging years.
CALL Study Group on Housing for Seniors
In this post, you’ve heard from some members of a CALL Study Group who got together to learn more about housing for seniors. They shared their handouts and insights on this important topic
I asked some questions and two members responded:
1. What were your impressions about seniors housing prior to participating in this group?
2. What did you learn about seniors housing that stands out to you - either a surprise or a disappointment?
3. What are your general thoughts about seniors housing now?
4. If a friend asked you for your advice about moving into seniors housing - what would you answer?
C.G. summarized what she learned:
- Calgary does not have any cooperative-type residences similar to Harbourside, and I had hoped that in the past decade, some would have been conceived and developed. I think it’s an excellent model, and I’m surprised that the concept hasn’t yet been successful here.
- There are lots of resources to help seniors with everything from home safety, downsizing, finding a new home and the organizing needed to make a major move.
- It’s important to have enough money to pay for everything you need and want.
- Social isolation is a big factor when people live alone – a factor in aging in place.
- It’s preferable to address the issues of ’where are we going to live‘ and take action sooner rather than leaving it to when it has become absolutely necessary.
Summary
The most important thing to say about aging in place is:
"Aging in place is easier if you have funds, are relatively healthy and don't need outside support."
Member, CALL Study Group Housing for Seniors.
The experience of moving to and living in a new environment is very complex. It requires adaptability and adjustment to new challenges and some loss of independence.
In brief, everyone wants to feel a sense of being in the right place for them. This means that the success of living in any ’seniors housing‘ is when the needs and adaptability of the individual and the capability of the 'home' to meet that individual’s specific needs match each other.
Author
Maureen Osis retired from her career -- first as a Gerontological Nurse and then a Marriage/Family Therapist in private practice working with mid-life and older adults. Maureen has published numerous articles and books, related to her professions. She is a member of CALL because she is passionate about learning. She is a volunteer with CALL, doing social media and the primary author of the Blog, because she likes to face new challenges.
Resources
CALL Study Group - Housing for Seniors
Members of the group prepared handouts for learning and discussion. The writers attempted to ensure accuracy but cannot guarantee this or that some information might be out-of-date at the time of publication.
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Alternative Housing for Seniors in Calgary
The author visited several seniors housing options and described what each has to offer.
"If you are considering moving, it is imperative to know how much you have to spend and approximately how long it will last. Carefully consider the type of living you would feel happy with, then do considerable discussing with friends and family and tour many residences. Some even offer a free meal with a tour. To move is a major decision."
Aging in Place: Cost Considerations
"The concept of aging in place sounds comforting. In your familiar surroundings, maintaining your independence and routines. The financial reality of aging at home requires planning and budgeting for hidden costs from home care services to unexpected situations. So - it's important to start your financial planning early, assessing your needs and looking for available resources of help if needed."
Aging in Place: Government & Private Funding
This handout provides a comprehensive review of funds directly available to the senior for services such as in-home support and home modifications. Also lists programs that support community initiatives and research programs.
Comparison of Accommodation Costs: A Personal View
The author compared monthly living expenses in a house, condo, subsidized housing and a private independent, supportive and assisted living facility. The total costs for each option might surprise you.
Downsizing: Getting Started
"Downsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With clear goals, realistic timelines, and the right support, the process can be empowering, manageable and even enjoyable. Remember downsizing is about creating space for what comes next!"
Downsizing Tips and Suggestions
"Downsizing is emotional – sometimes these are lifetime possessions. It’s important to acknowledge the emotions. Take time to relive or talk about memories. Remember, we can keep the memories attached to our possessions or the people who gave them to us, even if we can’t keep the object.
Downsizing: Where to Donate or Sell
"There are many registered charities and not-for-profit organizations that accept donations. Lots of ways to sell through consignment stores, auction houses, and antique dealers. This handout provides a comprehensive list for Calgary.
Downsizing: Special Focus Items
"Some things take longer to sort and donate - sell - or discard. What do you do with letters, cards and all your children's artwork? Moving to a smaller space may mean less wall space for framed photos and artwork. And if you have been a collector, those antiques and collectables may need a new home."
Financial Decision Making Tools
"Prior to deciding on your senior housing preference, it is wise to go through the exercise of analyzing your financial position. For most of us, we are in the Decumulation Stage where we are in retirement therefore no longer earning a salary. Sources of income change to CPP, OAS, GIS, employer pension and/or personal savings. Perhaps some of you will be financially stable throughout your lifetime and have no concerns. Some are not. Either way, it is worthwhile to know for certain."
Seniors and University Students Living Together
This paper explores alternatives such as "Co-Housing" - university students living in senior residences. Another example is "Home-sharing" - university students living with seniors in their homes.
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References
Retirement Reimagined: The Rise of Resort-Style Senior Living
Sean P. Young January 20, 2026
Avenue Magazine
12 Alternatives to Traditional Retirement Communities
Cheapism, October 28, 2025
How to pay for a retirement home
Comfort Life
Note: Calgary pilot project will see seniors, students living in same building. CityNews, May 21, 2024. Silvera for Seniors Westview Town Suites
Read Shannon Penner's story, January 6, 2025
Originally published in Macleans.
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