Most Americans Value Aging Independence New Study Shows

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky—According to a recent survey, Americans are signaling a shift in what it means to live a fulfilling life, with many preferring independence over longevity without self-sufficiency. While seniors, in particular, maintain an optimistic outlook on aging, they face significant challenges as they grow older, including financial strain, anxiety about future mental health and persistent negative cultural attitudes toward aging.

The national survey was conducted by CenterWell, the health care services segment of Humana, and included more than 4,200 United States adults. The survey was conducted with Morning Consult, which revealed that two out of three (66%) Americans would prefer independence as opposed to a longer life dependent on others. For those already aged 65+, that desire increases to 78%.

“As we grow older, the desire to stay independent becomes even more important,” said Sanjay Shetty, president of CenterWell. “The question we must ask is: how do we prepare today to build a foundation for lasting independence as our nation ages? Whether it’s preventive care, better availability of primary care services, expanded health care access or ways to address the many social factors that play a significant role in overall health, we must lay the groundwork to enable older Americans to achieve the independence they seek.”

Despite facing real challenges, including limited access to primary care, the survey shows America’s seniors indicate an optimistic perspective on aging. While nearly half of Americans (48%) believe society views aging negatively, 60% of seniors 65 and older report a very or somewhat positive outlook on growing older. They’re optimistic, as nearly two-thirds of older adults still think America is a good place to age well, but they have significant concerns.

More than half of baby boomers (those born from 1946 to 1964) are worried they won’t have enough savings in retirement to support themselves, with more than one in five reporting that a lack of financial resources is the single greatest barrier to aging well. In addition, more than one-third fear their quality of life and financial situation will deteriorate as they grow older. Another 26% expect their mental health to worsen with age, and more than four in 10 worry they’ll end up in a nursing home. In general, more women express these concerns than men do, while Black respondents are less worried about these issues than their white and Hispanic counterparts.

Health is Valued, But Not Always Prioritized

While 94% of adults 65+ say their health and well-being is important or a top priority and 83% agree that there are lifestyle changes they can make now to improve their aging, they also admit to not following through on that motivation—only about 40% of seniors make consuming a healthy diet and exercising a priority, which are the cornerstones of aging well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 95% of people aged 65 and older live with at least one chronic condition—such as diabetes, arthritis or heart disease—and nearly 80% manage two or more, indicating a gap between how they ideally would like to age and their reality.

Primary Care Is Key—But Too Often Missing

Many older adults are also missing one of the most critical supports for healthy aging: their primary care doctor. More than half (54%) of adults 65+ report not regularly seeing their primary care provider, raising concerns about gaps in care at a time of increasing medical need.

The generation just behind them is even less connected to the health care system. Only 28% of adults aged 45–64 report visiting their primary care doctor regularly, setting the stage for greater health complications in the years ahead.

“Regular primary care is key to early detection and prevention of chronic disease—especially for seniors and those approaching their later years,” said Vivek Garg, chief medical officer for Humana’s Primary Care Organization, which includes CenterWell Senior Primary Care and Conviva Senior Primary Care. “It shouldn’t be seen as something you turn to only when you’re sick, but as a vital part of staying well over the long term. Our survey data shows we need to do a better job communicating that value, as well as making it easy to access high quality primary care from health care professionals who take a comprehensive, proactive approach with their patients.”

Family & Community as Support Systems

When it comes to aging, family is the number one factor adults (31%) cite as having the most impact on their ability to age well, other than themselves. People’s primary care providers are a close second, coming in at 28%. Among those 65+, however, the physician is the number one factor, other than themselves, whom respondents believe will have an impact on their ability to age well (36%), with family coming in a close second (34%).

Interestingly, it is younger generations who may be leaning on their communities to help them age well, with nearly half (43%) of those aged 18-34 indicating that the community has the ability to support them as they age, and 47% of those aged 35-44 indicating the same.

Methodology

This online survey was fielded between May 14-18, 2025, among a sample of 4,217 U.S. adults, representative across age, race and ethnicity, region, education and party identification. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 2% points.