Another factor keeping older people in place is that they've put a lot of energy into the yard or their house to make it the way they want it to be. For example, if my mom, a still sharp and active 90-year-old, couldn't live independently, and spend time in her garden, she would probably pass in 2 - 3 months. Expiration after loss of independence and access to the outdoors is a common way to die in my family.