Remember the show The Golden Girls? Some might write it off as being a frivolous comedy about a foursome of “little old ladies” sharing a home in the retirement mecca of South Florida. Thirty years after the season finale, the show is more popular than ever with millennials having discovered its progressive themes on aging, gay rights, age discrimination, dying, chronic illness, and similar social issues. The Golden Girls also foretold today’s trend of seniors 65 and older making the decision to share housing as roommates for economic and lifestyle reasons.
Seniors Finding Creative Solutions to Aging in Place
As the population ages, more and more seniors are looking for creative solutions to aging in place. One such solution that has gained popularity in recent years is senior roommates. The idea is catching on thanks to influencers like “I Will Survive” singer Gloria Gaynor who is a spokesperson for the New York-based Home Sharing Program. “I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have the companionship, to have the camaraderie,” Gaynor told Money magazine. “It is the security of having someone there with you if something happens and who cares enough to help you. Sometimes senior citizens need extra support.”
Older Adults Sharing Expenses, Companionship, and Support
Gaynor and other “Golden Girls” and “Golden Boys” are seniors in their 60s and up who choose to live with roommates to share expenses, companionship, and support. Why are senior roommates trending? There are several factors at play. For one, the cost of living continues to rise, and many seniors are on fixed incomes. Sharing expenses with a roommate can make it more affordable to live in desirable areas and maintain a high quality of life. Additionally, many older retirees have lost a spouse or partner and are looking for senior companionship and socialization. Living with a roommate can provide built-in support, a sense of community, and hands-on help for maintaining a shared home.
Tips for Setting Up a Successful Senior Living Situation
Finding the right roommate is key to a successful living arrangement. Here are some tips for finding the right roommate for your lifestyle:
Be clear about your expectations: Before you begin your search for a roommate, make a list of your expectations for the living arrangement. This might include things like cleanliness, noise levels, and shared expenses. Being clear about your expectations upfront can help you avoid misunderstandings later on.
Use online resources: There are several websites and apps that can help you find a roommate, including RoomieMatch, Silvernest, Nesterly, and Senior Homeshares. These services can help you find a compatible roommate based on factors like personality, lifestyle, and interests.
Ask friends and family: Word of mouth is still a powerful tool for finding a roommate. Ask friends and family if they know anyone who might be interested in sharing a living space.
Meet potential roommates in person: Once you’ve identified potential roommates, meet them in person before making any commitments. This will give you a chance to get to know them and ensure that you’re a good match.
Consider a trial period: Living with someone can be a big adjustment, even if you’ve found a compatible roommate. Consider a trial period of a few weeks or months to make sure that the living arrangement is working for both of you.
Senior Roommates Trend on the Rise
As rising housing costs and high inflation continue in the near term, expect the trend of senior roommates to increase. There’s even a term for it: Baby Boomers becoming Boommates. Some recent surveys like that by Go Banking Rates point to an exacerbating factor: More than 33 percent of Americans age 65 and up have not save enough money for retirement and will need to share housing costs to make ends meet. If you are an older adult or senior on a fixed budget, consider these tips for finding the right roommate, so you can enjoy the benefits of shared expenses, companionship, and support in your golden years. Being a Golden Girl or a Golden Boy is so on trend!
“Golden Roommates: Tips for Home-Sharing Seniors,” written by Michelle Flores, Amada blog contributor.
