Most seniors want to live in their homes or communities for as long as possible, or, “age in place.” As outfitting homes and carrying out maintenance gets more costly, local volunteer organizations are stepping up to help.

Around 75 percent of adults aged 50 or older indicated they’d like to age in place, according to a 2021 AARP survey. That figure is national, but Noël Bonam, Maine’s AARP director, said it captures how Maine’s seniors feel, too.

“I think we all want to stay in our homes and communities … that’s where people have a sense of belonging, a sense of community, where their family and friends might be, familiarity, a sense of independence,” said Elizabeth Gattine, who coordinates the state’s Cabinet on Aging.