Editor's View: Ageing in place

Some older people are forced to move away from their usual place of residence against their preference, and sometimes even against their wishes. Indeed, just four months ago we published a paper that showed avoiding this scenario was the top priority for older patients when they seek medical attention [1 https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae097]. ‘Ageing in place’ refers to the ability to remain at home through late life. A systematic review of social inequalities around ageing in place across multiple countries makes some fascinating counter-intuitive findings, as well as confirming the importance of some influencing factors that will not surprise anyone [2 https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae166]. Those with better socioeconomic circumstances were more likely to age in place, but the relationship to financial resources was not straight-forward and linear, possibly because the poorest may not be able to afford long term in some countries. Interestingly, those with higher educational attainment were significantly less likely to age in place, while those living in rural areas were more likely to do so. This shows the complex interplay of individual and societal factors that shape decisions around ageing in place.