Paradox of preparedness: Why the desire to age at home doesn’t match its planning

An overwhelming majority of older Australians share a single, definitive goal for their later years: to stay living independently in their own homes.

According to a new national study of 2,500 Australians conducted by aged care provider Benetas, 89% of respondents want to age in place. While this desire isn’t new, the underlying reality of how prepared they actually are tells a far more concerning story.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills says there’s a real disconnect between what Australians expect from their later years and the proactive work they’re putting in to achieve it.

“Australians are generally positive and confident about ageing at home, but a distinct lack of knowledge and planning is actively undermining that goal,” Hills explains. “Our attitudes and behaviours could pose a significant barrier to maintaining independence and accessing support.”

To measure this gap, Benetas has developed a first-of-its-kind Ageing in Place Readiness Index (AiPRI), which will track data every two years across five core pillars: 

• Preparedness
• Knowledge
• Attitude
• Technology, and 
• Confidence. 

The benchmark data reveals a complex narrative of optimism versus inertia.

The Support at Home knowledge gap

One of the most alarming findings of the research confirms a known, and massive, hurdle for the sector: only one-third of people actually understand the government’s Support at Home program.

This lack of literacy around home care packages and Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessments means people are entering the system completely unprepared.

Hills stresses that the responsibility shouldn’t rest entirely on policy or systemic fixes. “This is not about saying the government should do more,” she highlights. “But this [study] is really trying to get older people and their families to prepare more for ageing. The earlier that people can start planning, the better.”

Sadly, it’s often only after a crisis or accident happens – to them or someone they know – when older Australians jump into action. But it’s also this late-in-the-game engagement with the system that robs them of their choice and autonomy.

Hills notes that qualitative face-to-face interviews with seniors over 65 confirmed that most only take action after a sudden health scare or an “incident” involving a loved one.

“It’s just human nature – it’s not until something happens that we do something about it,” Hills offers. “But if you just let it happen to you, you lose control.”

Overcoming the stigma of ‘paid help’ at home

A major behavioural barrier found in the research is the resistance to accepting paid help. While Australians feel comfortable with the abstract concept of getting older, many express deep discomfort with receiving paid assistance at home.

Hills believes there’s an opportunity for the sector and wider community to completely reframe this narrative. Receiving help isn’t a failure or a loss of independence; accepting timely support is the very mechanism that allows seniors to maintain autonomy and stay at home longer.

The technology divide

Interestingly, the index revealed that technology was the only pillar where those over 65 scored lower than under-65s. 

Hills attributes some of this digital hesitation to fear. Following high-profile cyber security issues and scams targeting seniors, many older Australians don’t want to use digital tools. This reluctance often backfires because modern home care delivery relies heavily on apps, tablets, and other interfaces.

“Many providers communicate through portals, tablets, and telehealth,” says Hills. “When people opt out of technology, they become more dependent on others or, worse still, socially isolated.”

A call to action for families

For leaders in the sector and the families supporting older Australians, the Benetas research offers a clear roadmap for early intervention. True readiness means looking at practical, proactive lifestyle adjustments well ahead of time:

• Home modifications: Evaluate living spaces early by looking at stairs, uneven surfaces, and accessibility before mobility declines.
• Financial health: Conduct early reviews of superannuation and retirement savings to understand all the options.
• Preventative health: Normalise comprehensive, government-funded health assessments that focus on balance, fall prevention, and overall well-being.
• Social connection: Actively maintain community ties, which are vital for mental health and can help to combat the severe isolation many seniors face.

Ultimately, Hills points to international models like Denmark’s Good Life in Old Age policy, where formal ageing plans begin when citizens are in their mid-50s.

“We are ageing every day,” Hills says. “Accepting support is not accepting failure. We need to talk about the positives of ageing and the privilege to age. If you do not take control early, the decisions will eventually be made for you.”
To read the full study, contact Benetas.