Uncertainty over economy keeping baby boomers in current homes

Out of fear their retirement funds won't be enough to support a change in homes, most aging baby boomers are reportedly staying put in the current homes.

The AARP conducted a July telephone poll of 1,616 people age 45 and older. According to Teresa A. Keenan, Ph.D., AARP Research & Strategic Analysis, the results "suggest that wanting to remain in one’s home and one’s community as one ages continue to be paramount."

Keenan noted that two-thirds of those surveyed would stay in their home because they enjoy their immediate community, while one-quarter of those surveyed said they want to move, but can't due to financial woes.

Seventy-three percent surveyed "strongly agreed" with the statement they would like to live in their current home as long as possible, while 67 percent "strongly agreed" they would like to stay in their current community as long as possible.

When asked about seven different community aspects affect their decision to live in a certain area, two-thirds surveyed said "being near friends and/or family" and "being near where one wants to go" is "extremely important" or "very important" to them.

According to the Pew Research Center, baby boomers account for approximately 79 million Americans, or 26 percent of the total US population.