The notion of aging in place has come to be widely embraced by today’s older Americans, but as the concept grows in popularity, some experts suggest its benefits may be exaggerated — specifically by home health care providers who stand to profit from it.

In his new book, “Aging in the Right Place,” University of Florida professor of gerontology Stephen M. Golant, Ph.D. suggests aging in place might prevent older adults from seeking healthier, more holistic alternatives.

“It’s not an all-or-nothing situation, obviously,” Golant told The Washington Post in an interview about aging in place. “But I just wanted to point out the imperfections, and the weaknesses in some of the arguments. … I want to point out that sometimes there’s too much hype.”

This hype, he argues, is oversold not only by the media but also by home health care providers and builders who are eager to capitalize on renovating the homes of older people.

“The inevitable conclusion is that proponents of aging in place groupthink are doing a great disservice to millions of older Americans now occupying inappropriate residential environments,” Golant writes.

Ultimately, despite some of the benefits it may offer, aging in place is not a good fit for everyone, he says.

Read the full Washington Post article here.

Written by Emily Study