The Sharing Economy and Aging in Place

The vast majority of older adults desire to age in place - to remain in their current dwelling indefinitely. But the frictions and functional losses that come with aging can threaten one's ability to remain in the home. Can new technologies and services, including the sharing economy, help us age in place - and save us money in the long-term?

The AgeLab conducted a thought experiment estimating the cost of utilizing an array of sharing economy services to approximate the level of instrumental support provided by an assisted living facility. Additionally, AgeLab researchers surveyed the 85+ Lifestyle Leaders group to learn about their attitudes toward and experiences with the sharing economy, to better understand its potential to fulfill the needs and desires of older adults.