A new survey by Home Instead, an Honor company, and the world’s leading provider of in-home care for older adults, finds that physical self-care routines play a key role in supporting confidence, happiness, and emotional wellbeing among adults aged 65 and older, while highlighting the critical support caregivers provide in helping maintain these routines.
The research was commissioned as part of Home Instead’s “A Better What’s Next” campaign, including its recent “Makeup” spot, which highlights how daily routines can help older adults maintain a sense of self, confidence, and dignity.
Self-Care Supports Independence, Happiness, and Identity in Older Adults
The survey polled 1,000 older adults (65+) across the United States and Canada. According to the findings, 90% of older adults feel self-care has a positive impact on their day-to-day lifestyle, and the survey found that those who regularly practice self-care reported higher levels of happiness than those who do so less often.
But the impact goes beyond happiness. Older adults also report that practicing grooming helps them feel prouder of their appearance (53%), more like themselves (44%), and more confident (43%). Others say it contributes to a more positive outlook on life (33%) and a greater sense of independence (31%).
“This research reinforces that self-care isn’t about vanity – it’s about identity,” said Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger, Ph.D., Gerontologist and Caregiving Advocate at Home Instead, Inc. “As we age, maintaining everyday routines like grooming, getting dressed or preparing for the day can have a meaningful impact on confidence, dignity, and emotional wellbeing.”
Caregivers Play a Critical Role in Supporting Self-Care
For some older adults, maintaining these routines can become more difficult over time. One in 10 report they have stopped a self-care activity they enjoy due to physical challenges, while others say they would benefit from regular reminders or additional support to help them stay consistent.
The survey also highlights the important role caregivers play in supporting consistency and motivation. Among those surveyed, 95% of caregivers report seeing an improvement in an older adult’s mood when helping with self-care activities, including increased confidence, greater enjoyment of life, improved motivation, and a more positive overall outlook.
Caregivers most commonly assist with grooming, hair care, skin care, and choosing outfits. This hands-on support helps older adults maintain confidence and continue daily routines despite physical challenges.
Self-care is also a shared experience that strengthens relationships. These findings reinforce that caregiving is about dignity and connection as much as daily tasks. Among caregivers:
- 88% say they enjoy helping older adults with self-care and daily routines
- Nearly nine in 10 report that this time together strengthens their bond with the older adult
- 92% say they feel a deep sense of pride when they see the clients they care for embrace grooming and self-care, empowering them to make the most of every day
Among older adults without a caregiver, one in five say having one would help them maintain routines and stay socially engaged.
“What we hear from families and Care Pros is that the smallest routines can have an outsized impact,” said Kim Atkinson, Chief Brand Officer at Home Instead. “Helping older adults with everyday moments like getting ready for the day allows them to feel confident, independent, and like themselves. That’s core to how we think about care.”
Self-Care Not Always Addressed in Traditional Care Conversations
Despite its importance, self-care is not always included in traditional care conversations, which tend to focus more on clinical or functional needs, leaving emotional wellbeing and personal routines less consistently addressed.
“Care conversations often center on safety and physical needs, but this research highlights the opportunity to bring self-care and daily routines into the conversation,” said Dr. Eichenberger. “Families can help maintain these routines by having open conversations about what matters most and seeking additional support, when needed, to keep them part of everyday life.”
To learn more about how Home Instead supports older adults in maintaining daily routines and independence, visit www.homeinstead.com.
Survey Methodology
This survey was commissioned by Home Instead and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 25 and April 6, 2026. The study surveyed 1,000 older adults (65+) and 1,000 caregivers of older adults living in the United States (90%) and Canada (10%). All respondents had access to the internet.
About Honor Technology and Home Instead
Honor Technology’s mission is to change the way society cares for older adults. As a leader in aging care innovation, Honor provides the technology, tools, and services that empower older adults to live life on their own terms. In 2021, Honor acquired Home Instead, Inc., the world’s leading provider of home care for older adults. With a global franchise network and more than 100,000 Care Pros, the Home Instead network delivers over 60 million hours of personalized care annually. Together, Honor and Home Instead are setting a new standard for aging in place, backed by powerful technology, compassionate care, and a commitment to aging on your own terms.
For more information, visit www.homeinstead.com and www.honorcare.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260603190885/en/
Media gallery
