10 Tips to Help You Find a Roommate After 60
Are you an older adult who’s looking for a roommate? Well, you’re in good company. This phenomenon—dubbed the “Golden Girls trend”—is growing in popularity and numbers. According to a study by Harvard University, over 800,000 older adults live with a roommate. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably still in the process of looking for a roommate. Maybe you’re struggling to find the right match, or maybe you have no idea where to begin your search. Whatever the case, here are 10 helpful tips to get you started!
1. Make a list of all your wants and needs.
Much like dating or marriage, it’s important to consider compatibility with a potential roommate. You don’t want a real-life The Odd Couple situation on your hands! If you crave quiet and privacy, find someone else who does, too! On the other hand, if you’re a night owl who likes binge-watching your favorite shows well after most people’s bedtime, make sure your roommate doesn’t mind your nocturnal habits. Or if you’re a neat freak, find somebody who appreciates cleanliness as much as you! Make sure you list all your green flags and dealbreakers. Get detailed with your list. When it comes to finding the perfect roommate, you really can’t be too meticulous.
2. Use social media.
Technology can be a wonderful tool. If you’re looking for a roommate, you literally have thousands of resources right at your fingertips! Apps like Roomi and Roomster can connect you to a potential roommate in an instant. Meanwhile, websites like RoomieMatch can make your search a breeze. Some other apps that may aid you in your quest include:
- SpareRoom: This app is particularly popular in the UK and has over 9 million users, both from the UK and the US! It allows you to search for rooms and roommates by location, price, and other criteria. You can also create a profile and list your own room for rent.
- Diggz: This app is similar to Roomster and SpareRoom, but it also offers a variety of other features, such as a roommate agreement generator and a moving checklist.
3. Ask your friends.
While social media is fabulous, not every older adult feels comfortable using it. Luckily, there are other ways you can find a roommate, and one of the easiest methods is simply to consult the people in your social network! Tell them you’re looking for a roommate and ask if they know any other older adults who are in your shoes. Either one of your friends might have a lead, or perhaps your friend may be looking for a roommate themselves! Best of all, if it’s someone you already get along with in a social sense, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll get along as roommates, as well!
4. Look outside your age group.
A lot of older adults may prefer to age in place with other seniors, but don’t be afraid to consider a younger roommate, too! Intergenerational housing may have a myriad of benefits for both parties involved! From shared costs to companionship, there’s no limit to the things you can gain from this type of living arrangement. Plus, a younger roommate can help you with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and running errands. This may help you maintain your independence for even longer!
5. Use a home-sharing program.
A home-sharing program is a service that matches a person with an extra room or unit with someone who’s looking for a place to live. These programs are designed to provide affordable housing options for people of all ages, but they are particularly beneficial for seniors and young adults. Additionally, they’re available in a myriad of states, and even internationally! If you’re interested in this type of arrangement, there are a number of organizations that operate home-sharing programs in the United States. You can find a list of these organizations on the website of the National Shared Housing Resource Center.
6. Ask for references.
In an ideal world, you could find a potential roommate and trust they’re exactly who they say they are. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world and can’t take anyone at face value—no matter how nice and polite they may seem! Once you’ve found a few potential roommates, make sure you ask for references. This will help you to get a sense of their personality and their living habits. Also, make sure to ask potential roommates to provide you with the contact information for two or three people who can vouch for them. It’s truly better to be safe than sorry!
7. Meet in person.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, make sure you meet with your potential roommates in person. This will give you a chance to get to know them and to see if you are compatible. Ask them questions about their lifestyle, their expectations for the living arrangement, and their conflict resolution style. Discuss all the small details. If they’re someone you can’t see yourself getting along with long-term, then don’t be afraid to look for somebody else. After all, you want to make sure both you and your roommate are happy with the arrangement!
8. Communicate openly and honestly.
Communication is key to any successful relationship, and it is especially important when you are living with a roommate. You should communicate openly and honestly with your roommate about any concerns or issues that you have. Work through issues before you become a deeper problem. Don’t be afraid to be honest and speak your mind! Also, keep an open mind and be willing to listen to your roommate’s concerns, as well. Honesty goes both ways!
9. Be prepared to compromise.
No two people are exactly alike, so you need to be prepared to compromise when you’re living with a roommate. This means being willing to give up some of your own preferences in order to make things work for both of you. Nobody is perfect, and this applies to a future roommate. While you want someone you get along with and whose lifestyle complements yours, there may be times when you have to make sacrifices. Keep an open mind and heart and don’t allow yourself to be too set in your ways.
10. Sign a roommate agreement.
Once you have found a roommate that you’re compatible with, draft up a roommate agreement. This agreement should outline your expectations for the living arrangement, including things like how you will share household chores, how you will handle finances, and how you will resolve conflicts. This is a great way to make sure you have clear expectations and a solid foundation from the very beginning. It’s important to note that you may need to renegotiate your roommate agreement as circumstances change. So long as you understand that, you can have a happy, rewarding experience!
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Originally published November 17, 2023
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