Introduction to special issue: aging in place

The concept of aging in place has been discussed as a phenomenon, goal, or process. Initially the focus was on “place” as dwelling and evolved to “relationships” in a community. Thus, aging in community or age-friendly community reflect an updated focus for researchers, policymakers, and service providers. As a phenomenon, the concept of aging in place resulted in research investigating those who desire to age in place and the reasons older persons want to stay in their current places. The dramatic increase in the size of the aging population along with extended life expectancy served as the primary reasons for these inquiries. The focus of initial conceptualization of aging in place was based on older adults, their environments, and interactions between the two. Recently, aging in place was revisited to include relationships in a wider social and environmental setting. Aging in community was considered a synonym of aging in place. Once aging in place was also understood as relationships in the community, the importance of community-based services and participation of the residents was emphasized.