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Senior Resources » Shared Housing » 5 Reasons Seniors Should Choose Shared Housing

5 Reasons Seniors Should Choose Shared Housing

three senior women friends hanging out and laughing, shared housing friends

Hey, Boomers! Shared housing opportunities continue to grow! Are you in on the retirement lifestyle trend?

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What IS Shared Housing?

Shared housing is when two or more people share a living space for mutual benefit. There’s usually a head tenant (the owner or renter of a property) and one or more sub-tenants. Call it what you want: roommates…housemates…if you’re picturing The Golden Girls right now, you’re definitely on the right track.

Why Should Seniors Choose Shared Housing?

More and more seniors are choosing shared housing as their retirement lifestyle! And, with factors like rising costs and an unfavorable housing market across the country – it’s really no wonder! But, in case you weren’t already convinced, here are 5 great reasons for you to choose home-sharing!

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1. Companionship

senior friends in shared housing

Did you know that nearly one-fourth of adults over the age of 65 are considered to be socially isolated? A shared housing situation can easily provide you and your roommates with the friendship and camaraderie essential to emotional health.

Living with others, especially in your golden age, is like having a built-in social network right at home. It provides an opportunity for companionship, shared experiences, and mutual emotional support. It’s about reigniting the spark of friendship that we often miss in our later years.

2. Safety

block-word-spell-safety

When it comes to seniors living alone, safety can be a major concern. Simple tasks like walking up the stairs or even just moving around the house can pose potential risks for falls or accidents. With age, physical strength and agility might decrease, making it harder to maintain balance or recover from a stumble. In such cases, living with roommates can significantly reduce the chances of minor accidents turning into serious health emergencies.

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In a shared housing scenario, there are always helping hands nearby. Whether it’s a fall in the bathroom, a sudden illness, or even just a feeling of unease, having someone else in the house means that help is immediately available. They can assist directly, by helping you get back on your feet or providing first aid, or indirectly, by calling for professional medical assistance. This immediate response can make all the difference in potentially dangerous situations.

Additionally, let’s not forget that roommates can provide a sense of security and peace of mind. Knowing that there’s someone else in the house, especially during the night, can alleviate fears of intruders or other safety concerns.

3. Continued Independence

baking a cake

Home sharing can keep you independent longer.

How?

A primary advantage of shared housing is the mutual assistance it provides. For example, if one resident is unable to drive, having a housemate who can drive can be a massive benefit. This ensures that both parties have access to the essential services they need, like grocery shopping, medical appointments, and social activities, without relying on outside help or public transportation. This not only helps maintain independence but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.

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4. Shared Responsibilities

two senior women sitting at the kitchen table drinking cofee together

Indeed, retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of many years of labor. However, maintaining a house can be quite a task, especially for seniors living alone. This is where shared housing comes into play.

Shared housing means shared responsibilities, and this can significantly lighten the load when it comes to household chores. Instead of one person taking on all the tasks, they can be divided among the housemates based on their abilities, preferences, or even rotating schedules.

For instance, if one housemate enjoys cooking, they could take on meal preparation while the other could handle the dishes. If one person has a green thumb, they might enjoy taking care of the garden, while the other could take care of indoor cleaning. Sharing these tasks not only makes them more manageable but also adds a social aspect to what might otherwise be solitary chores.

Another advantage of shared responsibilities in a shared housing setup is that it can help keep the house in better condition. With multiple people looking after the property, maintenance issues are likely to be spotted and addressed quicker. This can prevent small problems from turning into bigger, more expensive ones down the line.

5. Shared Costs

thinking with money in hands

Life is expensive. And, sometimes it can feel even more expensive once there’s no steady paycheck coming in. Sure, you have Social Security. And, maybe you have retirement savings built up. But, inflation happens and when you’re living on a fixed income, it can be worrisome. When seniors home-share, they can split costs to save money. Rent, food, utilities…it can all be affordable when someone’s helping out!

Where Can I Find Shared Housing Opportunities?

senior shared housing friends drinking coffee and laughing together

Whether it’s time for a change, or you’re just doing some research, we can help!

If you’re looking for shared housing, start with these resources:

Senior Resource Shared Housing Directory

A comprehensive guide about shared housing for seniors, illustrating the multiple benefits of this lifestyle. Also provided are valuable insights on how to find shared housing opportunities, including options like senior living communities, co-housing and intergenerational communities, and local housing resources.

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Search for shared housing opportunities by state to explore shared housing possibilities near you.

Silvernest

Silvernest is a home-sharing service aimed at simplifying the process of finding compatible housemates. It provides a platform for hosts and home seekers to connect, communicate, and agree on house rules, making shared living arrangements more affordable and flexible. The service is particularly beneficial for those looking to reduce their living costs or create passive income by renting out a room in their home.

The platform works by allowing users to answer a few questions about themselves and their preferences to post a profile or list a room for rent. Users can then browse potential roommate matches in their area.

Silvernest also provides tools to set expectations and agreements within shared homes. Overall, it aims to make home-sharing a simple, safe, and rewarding experience for both hosts and renters.

SeniorHomeSharing.org

Senior Home Sharing is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable, family-style living options for low-income seniors. The organization offers seniors an opportunity to live independently in shared homes, making it a more cost-effective and socially beneficial living solution. The service includes available rooms in their homes, and prospective residents can apply to become a resident through their website.

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Originally published October 23, 2023

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